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Archive for the ‘Uncategorized’ Category

BTA in the News

Posted: December 10, 2012 in Uncategorized

We made the front page of the Home section of The Virginian-Pilot on Saturday, December 8, 2012:

This post is an inspiring story of perseverance written by a current student, Francine Banks.  Ms. Banks describes the obstacles she faced and overcame just to be able to take advantage of the opportunity to obtain a rewarding career through the Building Trades Academy training program.  Thank you Ms.  Banks for taking the time to write your story and inspire hope for others to not give up the battle to surmount the cycle of poverty.

Breaking ground

How I persevered to get started on a new path to success with the Building Trades Academy

 By F. L. Banks

The Building Trades Academy is a remarkable opportunity offering individuals such as myself a rewarding career in the ever evolving field of Facilities Maintenance.

But getting started was not easy.

I discovered the Building Trades Academy in the most unique way. I purchased a Sunday newspaper (which I rarely do) that featured an article about the Building Trades Academy and the school’s purpose. I called immediately to find out how to enroll.

After attending orientation, I was apprehensive about beginning the training course because I had (what I thought were) insurmountable obstacles that would deter me.

After hours of debating with myself, I came to the realization this was an opportunity of a lifetime.  So, it was time to set my fears aside and thrust a plan into action.

My first obstacle was childcare. This issue has kept me from moving forward for years. Without work, I couldn’t afford childcare and obtaining assistance from the local Department of Human Services (DHS) isn’t an easy feat.

The waiting list is astronomical and the red tape is something not to take lightly. For me to start the BTA class on October 1, 2012, I would need to immediately secure childcare.

I forged ahead determined to find adequate childcare. I wasn’t going to concede. I started calling centers that served my daughters’ school to get availability, pricing, and hours. Still, after twenty calls, I had no success.

Meanwhile, I followed up with my children’s school to see if the staff had any leads on child care options. They produced a list of centers that offered before and after care centers serving the school.

I called every center on the list. Luckily, I found two that had open spaces. One center was extremely accommodating and willing to work with me until the process with DHS was finalized.

Now, the next obstacle was financial. With class starting in just four days, I turned over every stone trying to find help paying for childcare, but to no avail.

Then, the idea came to me — a car title loan. Desperate times call for desperate measures and in order to break the cycle of dead-end jobs and finding myself back in the same position of dependency, this was one sacrifice I was willing to make without hesitation.

It was now Friday, Sept. 28, 2012, and it was game on. With class starting Monday, October 1, it was time to put the pieces to the puzzle together.

I had to gather all required documents and turn in the money by the end of the day if the children were to begin daycare on Monday. As I went to assemble the documents, I hit a snag — no birth certificates!

I hyperventilated and ran around frantic and frazzled looking and searching in dismay trying to relive every possible scenario that would involve having birth certificates. I was dumbfounded. My defining moment came down to two missing pieces of paper.

Thirty minutes later, I gave up. I broke down in a rush of tears; I knew I was finished. This is when my worst enemy decided to pay me another cynical visit: Doubt.

On the brink of turning back, I decided to call the director of the day care center to see if there was any wiggle room, and there was – I could provide birth record letters.

On the search again, this time was like striking GOLD!  I had obtained them once for another purpose and they came to my rescue this time around.

I picked up my girls from school and rushed to the center with my treasures in hand. With a sense of relief, I felt like I conquered an army, but my victory was short lived. That was just the beginning of another battle: The DHS’s Division of Child Care Assistance.

I began my daily regimen of calling to follow up on the application I submitted. I called the first morning of class at BTA during the first break of the day. A DHS supervisor told me to fax in a copy of my daughter’s IEP (a document that outlines the services required for special education students), which would potentially speed up the normal process because they are first priority.

After sending in the paperwork, I called to check the status of the fax and to my surprise, when speaking back to the DHS representative, she replied, “IN ORDER TO RECEIVE SERVICES, YOU HAVE TO TURN IN AN APPLICATION AND YOU HAVE NOT.”  She also reminded me the waiting list is “TWO YEARS LONG.”

I calmly explained that I had indeed completed and submitted an application and passed along a flyer containing BTA information to a worker. She then informed me she would get back with me as soon as she investigated the details.

Two days went by and I didn’t hear from anyone. I left messages and the director of the day care center called as well. When DHS called me back, she told me she would be passing my information along to a case worker and should hear something soon.

The next week, the case worker contacted me and scheduled an interview. She also informed me I now had to have actual birth certificates to begin the process. This time another archenemy showed up: Anxiety.

My car needed repaired, which prevented me from driving to Richmond to quickly get new certificates.  The race was on yet again. I had to rent a car to get to Richmond, get the certificates, and get back in time to attend the interview.

I searched for a company that was affordable and required a low cash deposit. That Friday, after my first week in training at BTA, I got the car and the girls and we hit the road for Richmond.

Once in Richmond, the car began to overheat and smoke billowed out like a steam ship. As I drove back to our hotel, the car slowed down and began to shut off. Smoke profusely exited the hood and I did what any woman would do, I called the fire department. They came and found the car needed antifreeze and they went to the store to purchase some to fill the car up. On my way back to the hotel, it started smoking again.

The next morning, I set out early to Vital Records and half way there, sure enough, it happened a third time, but I was determined to get the certificates. I arrived at Vital Records, smoke and all, with that wild- eyed look of determination.

As onlookers observed with amusement (a typical male audience), I rushed in, got in line, and got the documents. The process took a whopping ten minutes. Back on the road, things got worse. I had to pull over and attempt to contact the rental car company. With no answer, I called AAA. After an hour and two heated debates with the AAA agent and the employee at the rental car company, I finally had a tow truck in route.

When I got back to Norfolk to turn in the piece of junk car, the rental car company didn’t want to refund all my money. I was told I had to “get a manager’s approval” and that they will get back with me. I was just happy that I had the certificates.

I prepared for the interview with Child Care Assistance, making sure I had everything needed. In the interview, I found I still had more documents to provide. I asked specifically what was required and took note. I sent in everything and that wasn’t enough. Finally, I had EVERYTHING required to move forward and was contacted by the caseworker with good news that my case was approved.

This story was not written to induce sympathy, but as a guide for the discouraged, to not give up. No matter what the task involves. I would do it all again because it is imperative to my well-being to move forward.

In addition to attending BTA, I also attend a GED class three days a week after training provided at the school. This opportunity has definitely brightened my outlook for my future. With a plan, perseverance and a positive attitude, anything is possible. Breaking ground is the first step on the path to success.

Building Trades Academy was recognized by Camelot Civic League with the “2012 ‘Points of Light’ Appreciation Award” for outstanding community service to the citizens of Camelot and City of Chesapeake.  John Mack, BTA Staff Vice President, accepted the award at the 2012 Community Appreciation Banquet on October 22.  The mayor and Delegate Spruill, who was the guest speaker for the event, were present.

Students of Class 197 participated in the construction of a brick entrance sign for the Camelot Community as part of their hands-on training.  Students gained knowledge and experience with masonry.  The project took place during March 2012.

Top Row: Chris Haskins, Rommel Jackson, Matthew Baptiste, Sonny Meeks, Jamel Harding, Shawn Spillers; Bottom Row: Erica Naves, Brian Morris, Sandra King

“You gave me back my husband.”

Posted: October 10, 2012 in Uncategorized

It is so important to hear from participants and their loved ones the difference the Building Trades Academy makes in their lives.  Sharing the success is part of what this blog is all about – to take a brief moment to recognize achievements in the midst of all the hustle and bustle.  We, the staff at Building Trades Academy need to hear it personally, and then it needs to be shared with others because it takes so many different people and groups to make all this possible.

I’d like to share about a recent graduate, Mark Reel.  The Academy is able to help all different types of people at different points in their life, and Mark Reel is one such individual.  Mr. Reel recently graduated with Class 199.  He heard about the program while helping a terminally ill friend of the family with things around the house.  While at his residence, which happened to be a part of Chesapeake Redevelopment and Housing authority, Mr. Reel saw one of our flyers for the training program.  Having had a military career and still being in the Army Reserves, Mark was unsure if this was something that would fit him, but he says he enjoyed working with his hands and thought he would give it a chance.  He is glad he did because the training program gave him a renewed purpose in his life.

Another part of our effort to share our success with others as well as allow participants to share their own success with friends and family is the creation of a new Facebook page.  Slowly but surely students are starting to partake in their own success.  I’d like share a Facebook comment from Elayne Prude Reel, Mark Reel’s wife, as it was written because it was so inspiring:

I wish to thank the teachers and staff of the BTA for all you have done for my husband. My Mark Reel, after four deployments, came home with PTSD. Added to this, not being about to find work in his given field for two years, running out of unemployment, did not help things. When I spotted the ad for the BTA this summer, we both knew it was just the thing he needed. Up until then, his spirits were so low. But with attending the classes and learning new skills, meeting others with similiar struggles was just the thing Mark needed. God used you to work a miracle; you gave my husband back his dignity. His pride. His sense of he really did matter after all. You gave me back my husband. And I thank you and bless you for you have done for for me and my beloved.
~Elayne Prude Reel

I have to say this is the type of stuff that it is all about, and it is happening everyday at the Building Trades Academy.   Thank you for reading and sharing in Mr. and Mrs. Reel’s life and the lives of our students.

Mark Reel and his wife at graduation.

Class 199 will be holding its graduation on Friday.  This class was funded by Community Development Block Grants from Chesapeake and Norfolk, as well as funding from the City of Virginia Beach.  It consisted of an unusually high number of participants without a GED or high school diploma.  Of the 29 students enrolled, almost one-third were in this category.  Therefore, extra efforts were made for this class to provide support toward obtaining a GED.

GED textbooks and the GED Practice Tests were purchased from the Virginia Beach Adult Learning Center.  All students are pre- and post-TABE-tested as part of their training in Reading in Math.  The Test of Adult Basic Education is a widely used tool for assessing basic skills.   But since the GED consists of additional subjects (Language, Writing, Social Studies, and Science), the GED Practice Test was administered to see where these individuals scored in those areas and what the next step would be on the road to the GED.  It was determined that three individuals were ready for the GED test!  One has already taken and passed the test!!  Two more have taken the orientation and scheduled a date to take it.  Two more have started GED classes – held after training at the Academy on Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday from 4-7 p.m. – through a partnership with Chesapeake Public Schools.

The costs associated with materials, classes and testing is covered by the Academy.  The GED is crucial to success.  According to the Virginia Adult Learning Resource Center website, individuals with a GED earn an averge of $7,000 more per year than those without a GED or high school diploma.  It is required for many jobs and necessary higher education opportunities.

As it is said, this is one way the Building Trades Academy continues to give “a hand-up, not a hand-out” to its participants.


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What dogs would do for their owners..

What dogs would do for their owners.. you’re such a good boy tolero. you did great. i’m sorry you lost your best friend.. Advertisements

my sweet girl <3

this here is madison. when she wants something that she’s not able to reach, may it be under the tv stand or in between couches (in this case, it’s the orange ball that’s in… Continue reading

never ever <3

and though i know that i’m in for a very bad heartbreak (eventually), i know, too, that my heart would mend a thousand times over for a face like that. ❤

On weekends or on weekdays  when I’m too lazy to go to work, I always find my Morgan like this – sitting still while looking at the outside world. She does this for… Continue reading

this here is madison. she’s 1 y/o and 4 mos. she’s very quiet and smart. she’s also one sleepy bulldog too! i took this picture of her because i thought she was playing… Continue reading

wordless wednesday

is that a treat you’re holding?

meet the dogs behind the shoes :)

this one’s long overdue but today, i’m gonna have to write this down and finish it. we started an online shoe brand that we named cooper & morgan and one curious mind might… Continue reading

this here is mackenzie, he is a year and 3 months old and i love him to pieces! ❤

Tell us about the farthest you’ve ever traveled from home. Ok, I’m gonna try this daily prompt thing so here’s my first entry. The farthest I’ve ever been from home? That would be… Continue reading

my love for dogs

i signed up for a blog because i wanted to write but everytime i login, i find myself lost in all of the the countless, wonderful posts tagged under “pets” that i find… Continue reading

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Free Stock Photo of Silky Ladies Fashion — HD Images

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Silky Ladies Fashion

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Photo by: Sarah Pflug

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SAGE research methods online

Database of the month blog image

Are you working on your dissertation or research project this summer?

Sage research methods can give you the information that you need to select and use the your research method/s. It provides the theory and practical experiences of reserch methods.

Whether you are using qualitative, quantative, or mixed methods there are many books, videos and cases that can help you.

Access this resource by searching for ‘SAGE research methods’ in iFind.

Sage have produced this comprehensive guide to using the resource, so if you need any help check it out or get in touch with us at

How to write a literature review

For those of you who are writing a dissertation or doing a research project this summer, this short guide from Emerald Publishing explains the stages of a literature review in an easy to read format.

For more detailed guidance, we have lots of books online and in the library which can help. Search for them on iFind, or browse the ‘LB’ section of the library shelves. Your librarians are also available all summer for advice – just email us at

What is a literature review? – extract from Emerald guide.

Finding dissertations

When you begin your masters research project, you may want to look at successful dissertations from other students. This can help you to understand how you might go about researching and writing up your own work.

There’s information about finding dissertations on our website. Check the section on Finding Theses to see how you can use iFind to look for dissertations from the School of Management. The dissertations from before 2013 will be most helpful as they follow a similar format (introduction, literature review, methodology…) to the one you are expected to use. Most of our dissertations are kept in the library at Singleton Park Campus, but they can be sent to Bay Library for you to look at there. Use the Request option on iFind or ask at the Library Desk for help. The dissertations are for reference use only, so they must not be taken out of the library.

You might also find it helpful to see how students outside of Swansea University have tackled research on your topic. The database Proquest Business Collection includes dissertations from around the world. Just type in keywords for your subject and tick the Full text box on the search page, then using from the options down the left of the results screen go to Source type>More options>Dissertations & Theses.

Remember to reference anything you use from someone else’s dissertation! Work from Swansea University and from other students around the world is very likely to be in the Turnitin database and will be identified as plagiarism if you haven’t referenced it correctly.

If you have any questions, please email We will be here all summer if you need any help!


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Greg Greenway

GG web feature pic

Note: if you don’t see page titles, i.e. Bio, Calendar, etc, click on the three bold bars in the center of this page to reveal them.

Who is Greg Greenway

“Greg Greenway is one of those artists who is so rich a talent that it is difficult to categorize him. He traverses, combines and mixes up musical genres, and manages to open a window on global events that bring us together as citizens of the world. Like other great performers before him, Greenway’s message is that we can all play a part and make a difference in the course of both our private and public lives. But few musicians can do just this with such style, passion and sheer musicality.”

Roberta B. Schwartz, Folk & Acoustic Music Exchange

GG page collage 1-2 1-3 entirely

GG in Victoria BC

Singing with a 160 person choir will get you across the continent!

What Must Be Done, Mighty Long Way, Standing on the Side of Love, and

In The Name of Love with 160 singers will curl your hair!

More News: Greg’s just recorded instructional videos on his beloved C9 tuning for this week. We’ll keep you apprised as to when they’ll be up on line. Guitar players unite,break out of your box and find the joy of C9! There’s a four song concert here on the new Jamplay page: Greg’s New page

Next Shows: Greg’s next show will be Deeper Than The Skin with Reggie Harris at the legendary Caffe Lena in Saratoga Springs, NY on Marting Luther King weekend. Click  here on calendar for details.

Hear clips, download, or order from CDBaby.com20,000 Cover 2x2


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June 2, 2008 / 12:17 AM / 10 years ago

India find hope in teenage swimmer Khade

MUMBAI, India (Reuters) - India’s Virdhawal Khade is being hailed as a swimming sensation in his medal-starved country after the 16-year-old qualified for three events at the Beijing Olympics.

The schoolboy achieved the 200 meters freestyle mark at the world championships in Melbourne last year when he became the youngest Indian to do so at the age of 15.

Earlier this month he added the 50m and 100m, raising hopes in some quarters of boosting India’s miniscule Olympic tally, if not in 2008 then in 2012 at the London Games.

Despite being the world’s second-most populous nation, India have only won four individual medals, none of them gold, in their Olympic history since sending their first team to the Summer Games in 1928.

Hopes for Beijing have already been badly hit by the failure for the first time in Games history of their men’s hockey team, eight-times winners, even to qualify.

Khade’s personal bests compare well with swimmers of his own age, though fall a couple of seconds shy of world record marks.

But his coach Nihar Ameen told Reuters: “In terms of natural talent, not only measured against others I have worked with, but virtually any swimmer in his age group that I have seen around the world, he is a prodigy.”

The son of a sugar businessman from Kolhapur in the western Indian state of Maharashtra, Khade took to the pool as a four-year-old in his home town.

In 2006 he shifted to Ameen’s centre in Bangalore after the coach spotted his talent at a national competition.

Ameen said: “He has natural speed and competes well under pressure. How well he does on the highest platform of his sport depends on the maturity of his strategy, which is a work in progress in his training schedule.”

India's Virdhawal Khade poses during his practice session at the Southport School, Australia February 26, 2008. REUTERS/Handout/GoSports

India’s best known swimmer Khazan Singhwon won a silver in the 1986 Asian Games, but only a handful from the cricket-mad country have ever met the Olympic qualification standards.

In Beijing, Sandeep Sejwal and Ankur Poseria, who studies and trains in the U.S., will join Khade in the Indian team.

Although full of praise, the Indian swimming community is wary about expecting too much too soon from the muscular 1.90-metres, 80-kg Khade.

“At his age.... he is the hope of the country,” Swimming Federation of India secretary Virendra Nanavati told Reuters.

“If he continues this progress, I am sure he’ll be among the top 30 swimmers in Beijing.”

Khade, whose father played state-level basketball, said his goal in Beijing would be to post new personal bests.

“As things stand today, I am not in medal contention. It will be a very good experience and it will be my privilege to race against the best in the world,” he told Reuters.

“I will be really happy if I can make it to the semi-finals, which is the top 16.”

Ameen believes Khade, who trained for three months in Australia in the Games build-up, should look to learn from the Beijing experience and target the 2012 London Olympics.

“That’s when he will be in top physical shape,” said Ameen.

Khade’s immediate focus is the world youth championships in Mexico in July.

“It is a great opportunity to race against swimmers my age and I am positive of winning a few medals,” he said.

Editing by Dave Thompson

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Santevia Introduction Video

Your body works hard to maintain a healthy balance between acid (lower on the pH scale) and alkaline (higher on the pH scale), helping your systems operate efficiently. When there is an imbalance due to stress, lack of sleep, and over consumption of acidic foods (such as sugar, processed foods and alcohol) your body has to work harder to maintain its optimal pH level. How? By reaching for the alkalizing minerals it needs to counter the higher levels of acid. Unfortunately, these minerals are leached from your bones, organs and tissues. This depletion of resources, combined with the fact that viruses, fungus, yeast and bacteria thrive in acidic environments, opens the door to imbalance and disease in the body.

Many people are choosing to consume more alkaline foods and drinks to help their bodies maintain a healthy pH balance. In fact, the World Health Organization recommends consuming mineralized water for the maintenance of optimal health.

 Alkaline Water for the Whole Family

Consuming alkaline water is a healthy choice for the entire family. No matter what our age our bodies need essential, alkalizing minerals for development and the maintaining of optimized health.

During childhood, we are in the prime developmental years and our bodies require plenty of minerals in order to support healthy growth. Water treatment plants strip our drinking water of these essential minerals which can lead to higher risks of mineral deficiency. Calcium and magnesium are vital for the development of our teeth, bones, muscles and nervous system. A lack of these minerals can lead to issues of stunted growth and higher rates of bone fractures. Trace minerals are crucial for brain development. Mineral deficiency during childhood can impact normal brain development, as well as proper neuropsychological functioning. In order to support the healthy growth of children provide them with a balanced diet, and plenty of mineralized and alkaline water.

Eating and drinking alkaline foods and water is not only one of the best things you can do for you and your baby's health, but also a great way to alleviate some of the side effects that are part of the wonderful experience. From morning sickness and heartburn, to swollen feet and pregnancy brain, these unpleasant side effects can result from increased bodial acidity and dehydration. Research shows that an expectant mom’s body pH will drop towards acidic during pregnancy and there is higher risk of dehydration. Drinking Santevia mineralized and alkaline water before, during and after pregnancy will optimize the mother's body, preparing it to deal with all of the change.

As We Age

Alkalizing minerals are just as important during our later years as well. As we age, our bodies begin to wear and become less efficient at absorbing calcium and other essential minerals. This places us at  a high risk for calcium deficiency and increased susceptibility to disease caused by bone and muscle deterioration such as osteoporosis. Acidosis of the body furthers our chances of developing osteoporosis as essential minerals are leached from our bones to help our body maintain its optimal pH. To maintain a healthy, strong body as we age we must nourish our body with alkaline water and the essential minerals it contains.

 Alkaline Water for Fitness

Alkaline water is a popular choice for bodybuilders, athletes, and fitness enthusiasts due to its ability to help your body sustain physical activity for longer periods of time at higher workloads. How? During training, your body produces lactate, and works hard to clear it. When lactate production exceeds your ability to clear it ( your Anaerobic Threshold) your energy production becomes dominated by your anaerobic systems. An alkaline environment in the body increases your ability to clear lactate, thereby increasing your Anaerobic Threshold, and letting you workout longer and harder.


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Why we collect information

  • To deliver products or services to you
  • To better understand your requirements and preferences
  • Improve our service
  • Provide offers that are of greater interest or benefit to you

How we collect this information

  • When you make a booking/request confirmation of a booking

What we collect

The personal information we collect is in most cases supplied by you when you place an order or provide feedback to us.

  • Name
  • Billing Address
  • Phone number
  • E-mail address
  • Transaction information

The Caledonian Inn is protected by a 256-bit encrypted SSL certificate to ensure that any data you enter on the website is kept secure.

We do not process any payments on our website and none of your banking/bank account details are stored on our website. We do not collect nor store your credit card information.


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His Other Life – Beth Thomas.

download (9)

Back of the book :

Is Grace Married to a stranger ?

Grace’s new husband Adam seems like the perfect package. Good looking, great job, completely charming – almost too good to be true. So when Adam suddenly disappears from Grace’s life she is left bewildered and heartbroken.

As she tries desperately to find him, Grace open’s a Pandora’s Box of secrets and lies – and starts to learn that Adam wasn’t so perfect after all.

What painful secrets is her husband hiding ? Is Grace in danger ? And can she survive the truth,however terrible it may be … ?

What I think :

Grace has been married to Adam for just over a year, he’s got a good job as an Estate Agent and is very good looking. The only problem is that she knows absolutely nothing about him. She doesn’t know who his friends are, where he went to school, or even where he went on family holidays as a child. She isn’t even allowed to answer his mobile phone when it rings.

One day, whilst Adam is out, he gets a phone call from someone called Leon. This phone call seems to upset him slightly. Later that night, he goes out to fetch a take-away Curry for them, but doesn’t return. Adam is on the missing person’s list.

Grace has to turn Detective to find out just exactly who her husband really is ….

I wasn’t quite sure about this book, all the way through I couldn’t decide if I really liked Graces’s character or not. She seemed so naive and had a real ability to be able to over react about everything. I mean in this day and age would someone really marry someone and not really know them ?

Adam’s Mum is a bit of a rare creature that seemed to me like she was a bit mad. she always seemed to me me like she was somewhere else.

I did however like Grace’s best friend ‘Ginge’ real name Sarah, she was just like a best friend should be, best friends since primary school, she is big and bouncy, but also caring. Matt, Ginge’s brother is lovely and just the right thing for Grace.

I did however love the style of writing, I’m not sure if it was supposed to be written as a comedy but that’s how it came across. At certain points, I was laughing so loudly that I was getting very strange looks in the staff room at work !!

Although this book has a few surprises, the ending wasn’t what I expected at all. Having said that though it’s not a bad thing, it kept me on my toes right until the end.

I give this book 6/10, but that’s purely and simply because I just could not decide if I liked the main character or not.

Published by Avon books on 26 March 2015.

I purchased my copy from WHSmith – £7.99

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Bombshell Jesse Quick

In DC Bombshells, Jesse Quick, the daughter of the Flash and Liberty Belle, is a carhop at a malt shop. In the 1940’s, women replaced men as carhops because of the war, and these female waitress became classic Americana. Jesse Quick’s look is simple, and small tweaks like tying the blouse into a crop top and including the Flash patch are enough to bring it to life.

Gunnery Sergeant Hartman in Full Metal Jacket

“I am Gunnery Sergeant Hartman, your senior drill instructor.” Played by former, actual drill instructor R. Lee Ermey, he is the verbally abrasive, physically abusive, authoritarian marine corps drill instructor in Full Metal Jacket. Seemingly fueled by hatred, he’s armed to the teeth with an unlimited arsenal of nicknames and insults, ready to preemptively annihilate any cadet in his path. He wears the standard drill instructor uniform.

Damn Daniel

Damn Daniel

“Damn Daniel” is a catchphrase that stems from a Twitter video montage featuring a voiceover of a teenager complimenting his friend Daniel on his fashionable attire on a number of different occasions.

Frodo Baggins

Frodo Baggins (Elijah Wood) is the protagonist and primary Ring Bearer in the Lord of the Rings book, video game, and film series. He is a meek Hobbit who is tasked with delivering the One Ring to Mount Doom, overcoming physical and mental struggle along the way. He eventually becomes one of Middle Earth’s greatest heroes.

Corey Mason

In Empire Records, Corey Mason (Liv Tyler) and the other record store employees are trying to stop the store from being bought out by a competitor. First they have to figure out how to replace the $9000 one of the managers lost gambling. Sound like a party might be the perfect solution.

Emily The Corpse Bride

In Corpse Bride, Emily (voiced by Helena Bonham Carter) is an undead bride who pursues Victor Van Dort after he inadvertently proposes to her. Despite the differences in their mortality, Emily manages to convince Victor to end his life so that they can marry in the Land of the Dead.


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Social Media

Thursday, 08 June 2017

'Unacceptable attitudes' towards people with learning disabilities 'must change'

Written by Rod Minchin

Health campaigners have called for changes in how society treats adults with learning disabilities following the scandal at two care homes in Devon.

They said that vulnerable adults were often subjected to solitary confinement, forcefully restrained and given anti-psychotic medication when they were not mentally ill.

Jan Tregelles (pictured), chief executive of Mencap, and Vivien Cooper, chief executive of The Challenging Behaviour Foundation, blamed poor commissioning by local authorities and a weak inspection system for the scandal.

"Throughout the three trials last year, juries have listened to horrific accounts of people with a learning disability being abused by those who were being paid to support them," they said.

"The evidence that has emerged has been chilling. The survivors and their family members have been brave and dignified throughout the five-year build-up to these trials and 11 months of legal proceedings.

"Atlas Project Team claimed to provide specialist care for people with a learning disability, at a cost of up to £4,000 per week per person.

"Staff were paid to care for people with a learning disability but instead of doing so, imprisoned them repeatedly for long periods, often in cold rooms with no sanitation.

"Despite several warning signs, it took far too long for the abusive practices at the care homes to be exposed.

"Poor commissioning by a number of local authorities and weak inspection allowed an abusive culture to develop and sustain itself, with devastating consequences for individuals and their families."

They said the families of the Atlas victims had waited more than five years for justice and commended Devon and Cornwall Police for a thorough investigation.

"These trials have brought into sharp focus the unacceptable attitudes and lack of respect for people with a learning disability that exists in society," they said.

"Across the country thousands of people with a learning disability, autism and behaviour that challenges are still subject to unacceptable practices, including the use of dangerous restraint techniques, the administration of anti-psychotic medication when they don't have a mental illness and the use of solitary confinement.

"This environment, which enables commissioners to spend thousands of pounds per week of public money on the wrong type of services with no accountability, must change."

The treatment of some vulnerable adults within residential settings was exposed by the BBC's Panorama programme in 2011 with its undercover investigation into the scandal at the Winterbourne View private hospital.

Since then the Government has ordered the closure of 1,000 beds at assessment and treatment units like Winterbourne View.

Lawyer Alison Millar, from law firm Leigh Day, is representing several of the former residents.

"We believe this is a significant verdict for the future welfare of people in residential care," she said.

"These criminal court proceedings against Atlas Projects Ltd founder Paul Hewitt and Atlas managers and employees underline the legal responsibilities those who manage and profit from care facilities have for the physical and psychological well-being of their residents.

"It also highlights the responsibility of those public bodies who failed these vulnerable individuals by not commissioning appropriate facilities and therefore should retain responsibility for the services they have contracted out.

"These verdicts against the owners and managers of Atlas Projects Ltd and those they employed are a reminder that health and safety legislation protects the rights of the most vulnerable and we would call on the Government to ensure that more is done to strengthen such safeguards."

Andrea Sutcliffe, chief inspector of adult social care at the Care Quality Commission, welcomed the sentences.

"Atlas and a large number of their staff utterly failed in their duty to look after the people in their care," she said.

"No-one should be subject to the degrading abuse people experienced and I am glad that the perpetrators have been recognised for the criminals they are.

"When the CQC inspected Veilstone in October 2011, inspectors were so concerned by the treatment they discovered that they quickly extended the inspection to all 15 of the services run by Atlas.

"We found serious concerns in most of their care homes, including the routine use of excessive restrictive practices, which is why we took action which led to the closure of all of these services in 2012.

"Much has changed since 2011. When these abusive practices were discovered, the CQC took decisive action but we should have responded more quickly to the concerns raised.

"Since then we have overhauled our regulatory approach; improved the monitoring of services and the way we respond to safeguarding concerns; introduced a new and more thorough inspection process; increased the numbers of people with learning disabilities involved in our inspections; and strengthened our enforcement processes.

"We have also worked with The Challenging Behaviour Foundation on the issue of restraint and we now subject services where staff frequently resort to restrictive interventions to much tougher scrutiny than we did five years ago.

"The end of these trials is a chilling reminder that we must all remain vigilant to support and protect people in vulnerable circumstances who have every right to live their lives to the full, free from fear and treated with dignity and respect."

Sian Walker, independent chairman of the Devon Safeguarding Adults Board, said: "This has been a very complex case, and my thoughts today are with the victims and their families.

"Now that the police investigation and legal process has concluded, Devon's Safeguarding Adults Board will consider what additional lessons can be learned from this case.

"In response, the authorities acted promptly to ensure the safety of residents, and have worked well together in partnership with individuals, their families and carers to provide necessary support in safe environments that meet residents' needs."

A spokesman for Devon County Council said: "With hindsight it is clear that care standards at some of the homes fell far short of being acceptable, and as evidence of poor care came to light, we took robust action to ensure residents' safety while the police investigations and legal process ensued."

Copyright (c) Press Association Ltd. 2017, All Rights Reserved.


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Technology Infrastructure Team Leader

Elmhurst, Illinois
Jul 12, 2017
Administrative Jobs
Institution Type
Four-Year Institution

The Technology Infrastructure Team Leader oversees the College’s server, network, and telecommunications infrastructure, as well as technology disaster recovery processes. This includes daily maintenance and management of projects (implementation, migration, decommissioning, etc.) that support these systems, as well as implementing and maintaining appropriate security controls.

Essential Functions:

1. Manages all on premise, off site, and cloud-based technology and telecommunications infrastructure, virtual and physical, including wired and wireless networks, data centers, servers, and storage.
2. Evaluate performance of all systems under purview and make suggestions for improvements.
3. Patch and update servers and other infrastructure as part of a regularly scheduled maintenance program.
4. Regularly evaluate the security posture of all systems under purview and provide suggestions for improvement, then implement approved enhancements.
5. Participates in information security discussions, contributing ideas and suggestions.
6. Manages disaster recovery.
7. Collaborates with staff from Office of Information Systems and other campus offices as needed to provide education, training, and support for initiatives across campus.
8. Manage vendor relationships to ensure appropriate support and equipment are procured in the most cost effective manner.

Performs maintenance after-hours or on weekends, and other duties as assigned.

Minimum Qualifications:

1. Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science or a related field.
2. Experience with common protocols, including but not limited to: DNS, DHCP, SMTP, SNMP, HTTP, and BGP.
3. Experience with a wide range of Microsoft products, including Active Directory, Exchange, SharePoint, SQL Server, and backups.
4. Experience with server virtualization (preferably VMware) and cloud computing (Azure, Rackspace, AWS).
5. Network management experience including switch and firewall configuration, knowledge of VLANs and IP subnets, and log maintenance and monitoring.
6. Basic understanding of PBX systems (legacy and VoIP).
7. A collaborative attitude – openness to working regularly with people at many organizational levels and from many offices.
8. A willingness to continually grow and learn professionally from many sources.

Master's degree preferred.

Elmhurst College, an equal opportunity employer, seeks candidates with demonstrated ability to contribute positively to a multicultural campus community.

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Simple DIY raised garden beds

I know it’s March, but for some reason it feels like summer in Colorado! It may be early, but I’ve already been bitten with the Summer bug!!

This summer, instead of planting in the ground, I wanted to give raised garden beds a try. Raised gardening helps a lot in keeping plants warm, controling weeds and keeping higher quality soil. I created these great beds for next to nothing using free palettes, some stain and weed barriers.

(This article contains affiliate links which will pay me a small commission on anything you purchase here at no extra cost to you. These are the actual products I used and I stand by them 100%)

Step 1: Search for palettes. Many places are happy to get rid of these for free. Just ask before you take. I was lucky enough to find two extra large palettes 5ftx3ft.

Step 2: Cut out the center strips of wood to create a hollow center.

Step 3: Stain or finish to your desired look. Palettes are made to withstand harsh conditions, so leaving them untreated is fine as well.  I used Danish oil in Dark Walnut on these.
RUST-OLEUM 242220 Watco Quart Dark Walnut Danish Oil Wood Finish

Step 4: Staple a weed barrier cloth around the inside so that the garden bed will hold soil.
Dewitt 4-Foot by 50-Foot 12-Year Weed Barrier Fabric 12YR450

Step 5: Plant and enjoy!! (Since it’s March, and Colorado, I will be waiting a bit before I plant, but will update when I do)

***Coming Soon- DIY Arbor, stairs and wood paths 😀 Stay tuned!***


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Tag Archives: William Shatner

On This Day…1931

On This Day... 22 March 1931

On this day in 1931 Canadian Actor/Director/Recording Artist, William Shatner was born.

William Shatner is, of course, most famous for his role a James T. Kirk, Captain of the Starship Enterprise, tasked with its five-year mission, which later became an ongoing mission, to explore strange new worlds, to seek out new life and new civilizations, to boldly go where no man has gone before.

He also played TJ Hooker and more recently Danny Crane in Boston Legal.  He has also directed, and performed musically although to call his performances singing is a stretch as we have said before here on Category Zero his musical offerings are more like crimes against humanity.

His influence and the 50 year show business career he has thus far carved out for himself are undeniable testament to his charisma, popularity and talents.

William Shatner & crimes against humanity.

InterrobangWilliam Shatner has had a long and chequered career.  Of course he is most famous for his role as Captain James T Kirk in the original Star Trek series and also Captain/Admiral James T Kirk in the Movie franchise.

He is also remembered for his role as Police Officer T J Hooker in the television of the same name.

Mercifully he is less well known for his efforts as a recording artist. I say mercifully but not mercifully enough as it turns out he made a few absolutely awful cover versions of well known and loved songs including the Beatles’ Lucy in the Sky with Diamonds and the Byrds’ Mr Tambourine Man.

Here they are for your viewing…um…pleasure.  Listen if you dare. My advice don’t. You’ve been warned. Continue reading

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SXSW 2009 – Thursday

Let’s get the recap party started.

I arrived in Austin Thursday afternoon. KD, being all business, picked me up and we headed to the Fader Fort, it was a great time to pick up our wristbands for that. We dumped my stuff and headed to the Red 7. The Mexican (full strength!) beer, the warm sun, and no idea what band I was about to see. The Hard Lessons killed it. And reminded me the music really was why I was here….

Lucero came out next. Another fun set of dancing rock music. And then, the Hold Steady. I started to feel spoiled. We were having a great time and I got to see almost all my old buddies right away. Then, the littlest man ever decided to pick a fight. Then a nice guy saved us. That’s why there are weird pictures, had to get one of the creepy guy and one of the nice guy. After the fact the story doesn’t have as much punch, but it was a continued theme throughout our weekend that I kept wondering if my marriage or life keeps the weirdos away…

I took so many pictures you all need to sign up for snapfish if you haven’t already, I can’t possibly get them all up here. This is the link to the Thursday day pics- click and join – it’s free!

That show ended and we happily headed over to the Fader Fort. As you know if you’ve read Who’s Going Softly, my favorite band is Massive Attack. I got to see them back at ACL. They got me in to Tricky, and he happened to be appearing at the Fader Fort. I was super excited. We had a little bad DJ set wait, and then as it got dark, this crazy beefed up rock star emerged and looked like he was tearing it up. He looked intense. Problem was we couldn’t really hear him all that well. We’ll chalk that show up to an experience, either way.

We wandered, ate, and went out for a show that I would love to tell you about – but I don’t know what any of the band names were, and all my pictures look like black rooms with red dots. Hmm…I bet that was because of the Free! Vodka!

Here’s the link to the second set of photos, Thursday Night. Trying to make this easy on you…

fader fort tree

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What Maine Sellers want from a Realtor

Sellers are looking for an agent who will do the most effective job of marketing the property, negotiating the most favorable terms and conditions, and communicating with them to make the process as smooth as possible. Contact us for more information or with any real estate questions you many have.

Here are the top 5 expectations a seller wants from their Realtor:

  1. Find a buyer for their home.
  2. Sell their home within a specific time frame
  3. Price their home competitively
  4. Find ways to fix up their home to sell it for more
  5. Help with paperwork, inspections & preparing for settlement

Things to consider:

Choosing the best Realtor - Selling a home in Maine should be like any other business transaction, but all too often sellers make emotional or impulsive decisions that cost them money and time. Choosing the right Realtor to market a property and negotiate the sale is the most important step in the process.

You're the only agent who agrees with my selling price - Some Maine real estate agents tell you what you want to hear. In the real estate profession, this is known as "buying a listing". An agent who lists a property at the highest possible price is using poor strategy. You see, your house gets the most attention from other agents when it is a "new" listing. If priced properly, lots of agents will show it to their buyers. If you price it too high, no one will show the house and it will sit on the market for some time. When you finally drop your price to reflect its real value, your house is "old news" and buyers may think you are growing desperate. Therefore, the prices you are offered will come in lower and lower - and you may find yourself accepting a price that is below what you could have received had the house been priced properly to begin with. Besides, pricing your home too high will only make similar houses for sale look that much better. Overpricing helps sell those houses, not yours.

The agent who has the lowest commission You get what you pay for! Paying a cut-rate commission will often get you a sign in the front yard and placement in the Multiple Listing Service, but little additional effort from your agent. Realize that agents and real estate companies put up their own funds to market and advertise your home. Marketing and advertising costs money -- the lower the commission, the less incentive for an agent to put up his or her own money to market your home.

Agents In Large Companies - Agents who work for large well-established companies with lots of agents do have some advantages. Large companies generally have longer office hours, so someone is always available to answer an ad call on your home. Large offices often have larger budgets and can spend more on advertising. The ad space for your particular home might not be huge, but because the total ad is so large it gets lots more attention. Large offices with many agents expand you’re your sales team, the more agents who have knowledge and are impressed by your home, the more vocal exposure your home will have.

Do All Agents Have The Same Education - The real estate profession is constantly changing and, as mentioned above, the best real estate agents stay aware of those changes by continuing their education. Some go beyond the required minimum requirements. Many agents acquire "professional designations" that show they took additional specialized courses.

Using an agent who lives in my neighborhood - Knowledge of the local market isn't determined by living in that immediate neighborhood. Your agent should have knowledge of recent sales, schools, businesses, and so on, but that is easily achieved through research.

This agent sold the most homes – This should only be the beginning. What is more valuable - an agent who listed 35 homes and sold 15 - or an agent who listed twenty homes and sold all twenty? So this is why you need to ask some questions. How many of their listings did not sell? How many were reduced over and over before they sold? How long were the houses on the market? How smoothly was the process handled? How accessible was the agent when there were questions or problems?


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Color Your World – January 21 through 23

Here is my entry for Jennifer’s Color Your World challenge.

Granny Apple Smith – Black walnuts at various states of growth

Turquoise Blue – Little Free Library

Shadow – Stacks of pallets

Qi (energy) hugs

  1. Nice little free library–there is one here in downtown Woodstock NY and every single week, a youngish hipster-looking guy comes, takes out a bunch of books to make his fit, and puts a dozen or two dozen brand-new copies of the Bhagavad-Gita in there, and then within a day or so the older woman running it takes most of them out to make space for the other books there and delivers them to different places. It is quite the little tussle, sometimes complete with notes inside the library to each other, and happens every single week, including in winter. I wish the guy didn’t take out books he doesn’t want in order to put his in–I ran into him once and it seems he just sort of throws them away or otherwise wastes them. It feels against the spirit of free libraries, you know?

    But I digress–! ahahaha!

    I love the walnuts and the pallets especially–

I adore comments! Thanks for stopping by to visit.

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60 Second Dessert OR I Live Alone and Love Cookies

What’s shaking readers?

We have had yet another ridiculous snow storm in the Northeast (Splendid!) Which meant another snow day for yours truly sitting around, day drinking in my fleece pants and watching the entire 4th season of Glee before my free trial of amazon prime runs out. No joke I didn’t go outside once yesterday.

With all of this sitting around doing nothing on my plate I was looking for any opportunity to save time (seriously, Glee isn’t going to watch itself you guys). And thus I was deeply excited to find a dessert I could make in the span of a heartwarming rendition of “Teenage Dream”

photo (5)

Single Serving Cookie Pie

1 tbs sugar
1 tbs brown sugar
1 tbs melted butter
1 egg yolk
dash salt
1/4 cup flour
a few drops vanilla
2 tbs chocolate chips

1. Mix butter, sugars, vanilla and egg yolk in a small bowl until well blended. Mix in flour and salt until dough forms. Mix in Chocolate chips.

2. Place dough in a ramekin (you can also use any kind of microwave safe mug, I like using my small ramekins because it makes me feel fancy and it is more like a cookie shape). Microwave for 60 seconds. Enjoy!

Seriously guys this is the easiest thing ever and you most likely have all the ingredients already in your house. Be careful with the vanilla, I found that it came out really quickly and I ended up with a very vanilla-y cookie. It’s such a negligible amount you can probably skip it if you want. I put a small scoop of butter pecan ice cream on mine which was delicious. AND if you forget to put the salt in you can just let the tears from your emotional response to the break-up episode of Glee Season 4 act as a stand in (I just miss Finnchel so much you guys).

Have a dessert cocktail  for me, something that pairs well with chocolate and vicarious heart break.


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Thursday, November 03, 2011

Go ahead with your peaceful protest: Dr Subra(Star)...and then the government started to panic??

It was a big issue for Malaysian workers and their families (and others who were concerned with human rights and worker rights of workers and their unions) ....but the media and the Malaysian government just did not give much space or attention

MTUC, whose members only have over 800,000 workers, who is also the recognized de facto representative of the over 10 million workers in Malaysia opposed the amendment and threatened a nationwide picket on Nov 3 - but the BN government seemed not at all bothered....Neither the PM or DPM even came out with any comment - they just ignored it...

Shame on you media (where most are owned or effectively controlled by government and/or political parties that form the government) for not even covering this issue and not highlighting clearly the reasons and concerns that has resulted in a very strong protest by the workers in Malaysia and MTUC...which has also received the support of so many different groups including the ITUC...

Yesterday, there were some attempts by certain quarters to scare workers from coming out and protesting as this was not a 'trade dispute' - yes, it is not a 'trade dispute'.... It is not workers protesting against employer - but generally workers protesting against the BN government that is trying to amend labour labours to the detriment of worker and union rights... and it is a constitutional right for any person in Malaysia to protest peacefully..

“If they picket during working hours, it would be illegal and action can be taken against them by their employers for disrupting the working environment,” said Subramaniam.

“However, if workers decided to hold a peaceful gathering outside of the work place or during lunch hour, it is their fundamental right.

“A strike or picket can only be done on a trade dispute. If they picket on this particular issue, it would be against the Industrial Relations Act 1967,” added Subramaniam.- Free Malaysia Today, 1/11/2011, Don’t picket, Subra warns workers

And even today in the Star, our Minister again says ' attempt will be made to stop the gatherings.." and suddenly the police comes out at the last minute shouting "illegal...illegal..." today - when they did not do so about this before - and mind you, everyone knew about this nationwide protest today (Nov 3) for about a month....Has our Prime Minister and the government suddenly start to get worried and have got the police to move and stop this protest...this certainly would be a slap on the face of the HR Minister...

Go ahead with your peaceful protest: Dr Subra

KUALA LUMPUR: With hours to go to the MTUC nationwide picket against employment reforms, Human Resources Minister Datuk Seri Dr S Subramaniam said no attempt would be made to stop the gatherings.

"It is their right to protest, and in this country, we allow peaceful gatherings as long as they do not disrupt security," he said after launching the Malaysian-German conference on education and training.

"Actually what they are protesting against is a non-issue. Both parties want the same thing, which is to protect the rights of workers. Only thing is we have different ways of looking at it," he added.

The MTUC has given the assurance that its picket Thursday would be peaceful.

Secretary-general Abdul Halim Mansor said the picket, to protest the amendments to the Employment Act 1955 which was passed by the Dewan Rakyat on Oct 6, would not disrupt public order because it would be held after office hours from 5pm to 6.30pm.

He told Bernama 18 locations had been identified for the picket and that the Inspector-General of Police had been informed about it. - Star, 3/11/2011, Go ahead with your peaceful protest: Dr Subra

And, then in Malay Mail.... the government at the very last moment seem to be panicking....

PETALING JAYA: Police have declared the protest by the Malaysian Trades Union Congress (MTUC), scheduled for today, as illegal.

The movement had said it planned to hold a protest against the amendments to the Employment Act at 17 locations nationwide this evening.

Both the Kuala Lumpur and Selangor police, contacted by The Malay Mail yesterday, confirmed no application had been received, or a permit granted to MTUC, to hold the protest.

Police also warned that action would be taken if the action affected the movement of the public or escalated into violence.

KL deputy police chief Datuk Amar Singh said police would not hesitate to take action against the protesters if they were found to disturb the peace and disrupt traffic flow.

"The timing for the protest was set for the rush-hour of between 5pm and 6.30pm and this may cause chaos," he said.

Selangor police chief Datuk Tun Hisan Tun Hamzah said his officers would monitor the situation.

"They have informed us about the protest but did not apply for a permit. Thus, it is illegal," he said.

The protest in KL and Selangor is scheduled to be held in Jalan Raja Laut (Kuala Lumpur), Jalan Barat (Petaling Jaya), Rawang, Shah Alam (near the Proton factory), Section 15 (Shah Alam), Bukit Raja, and Teluk Panglima Garang (Banting).

Earlier, Bukit Aman Internal Security and Public Order director Datuk Salleh Mat Rasid told reporters police would be considerate and allow the protest to go on if it did not pose any threat to the public and if a permit was applied for, as required under Section 27 of the Police Act 1967.

MTUC secretary-general Abdul Halim Mansor had said yesterday it would carry out the nationwide protest to ensure its discontent with the amendments made to the Employment Act was heard.- Malay Mail, 3/11/2011, MTUC protest illegal, say police

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Chef Doha’s Banana Pudding Parfaits

Salam Folk. How are you doing? It’s good to be back again.  I tried out something different this time. And I thought I had share it with y’all.

So here is the recipe for Banana Pudding Parfaits

10 tbsp sugar

4 tbsp cornflour

0.25 tsp. salt

2.50 c. milk

4 large egg yolks

2 tbsp. unsalted butter

1 tsp. vanilla extract

2 bananas

12 shortbread or other vanilla-flavored cookies

Sweetened whipped cream (see Tips)

  • Have ready a fine-mesh sieve over a medium bowl. In a medium saucepan, off heat, whisk together sugar, cornstarch, and salt. Very gradually (a few tablespoons at a time), whisk in milk, taking care to dissolve cornstarch; whisk in egg yolks.
  • Whisking constantly, cook mixture over medium heat until the first large bubble forms and sputters. Reduce heat to low; whisking constantly, cook 1 minute. Remove from heat, and immediately pour through sieve into bowl. Stir butter and vanilla into hot pudding. Let pudding cool slightly; meanwhile, slice bananas.
  • In six 8-ounce glasses, alternately layer warm pudding with cookies and bananas, ending with pudding and covering bananas as completely as you can to prevent discoloration. Refrigerate until set, at least 1 hour, and covered with plastic wrap, up to 2 days.
  • To serve, top with whipped cream and more crumbled cookies and sliced bananas.

Tips & Techniques

Everyone really loved it. Are you going to give it a try ? Let me know if you do!

That’s about it for now. Chef Doha signing off, until next time مع السّلامة

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What Is Invisalign and How Does It Work?

A smile is one of the first things people will notice about you, and one of the most memorable. If your smile isn’t all that you want it to be, due to crooked or misaligned teeth, a traditional brace may be the first solution to pop into your head. However, they are very noticeable. Adults as well as children or adolescents may find them to be too glaringly obvious and might become self-conscious while wearing them.

What Is Invisalign and How Does It Work?

If you’re worried about needing and want an unobtrusive way to straighten your teeth, there is a solution. Clear solutions, such as Invisalign, can help you get the straight, dazzling smile you want while preventing future problems that may be caused by misaligned teeth or an uneven bite.

How can you know if this is the correct solution for you or your child? Keep reading for all the facts about this incredible technology, including how it works and whether it’s right for you!

What is Invisalign?

These clear braces gradually straighten teeth with a series of plastic aligners. They’re just about invisible and are custom made to fit your teeth, so no one can even tell that they’re there. You switch to a new set every two weeks or so and they move your teeth almost imperceptibly.

Unlike traditional teeth straighteners that are highly noticeable and can sometimes be painful, these are actually fairly comfortable and there are no wires or brackets that can snap and cause injuries in your mouth. Because of this lack of wires, you can also eat and drink just about whatever you want, and brush and floss as you regularly would. Unfortunately, you can’t choose fun colors of rubber bands, but that is kind of the point of being invisible!

How Does Invisalign Work?

They are a custom pair of shoes. They’re made to fit you, and only you for maximum comfort and efficacy. Your teeth are wholly unique and unlike anyone else’s, so shouldn’t your tooth alignment be, as well? As we stated before, Invisalign straightens your teeth over a period of time using a series of clear plastic aligners. Because your orthodontist will have them specially made from a mold of your teeth, they are actually quite comfortable and many people tend to forget they are even wearing them!

Every two weeks, you swap out your current aligner for the next one. It gently nudges your teeth into their proper places while you go about your day for the most part unhindered. One of the most unique and convenient parts of this technology is the ability to eat and drink whatever you want without fear of breaking a bracket or getting bits of food stuck in a wire.

Because they are removable, you can brush and floss your teeth as you would regularly, without having to take extra care or use any special tools. Of course, you will want to keep up a good standard of oral hygiene. They may be a barrier between your teeth and the food you eat, but they aren’t a force field!

Is Invisalign Right For You?

If you’re interested in using them to straighten your teeth and improve your smile or bite, the first step is to talk to your orthodontist. They can help you make that decision based on the severity of your situation and your personal feelings.

However, if you are worried about being self-conscious when wearing braces, or your child wants to have their teeth straightened without calling too much attention to it, they might just be perfect.

One reason a lot of people choose them is that they travel a lot or work irregular hours and may not have the time or space required to properly clean their teeth while wearing traditional tooth straighteners. Others simply like the idea of discreetly improving the way their teeth are aligned.

Then there are those who are very sensitive to oral pressure or pain. Unlike other methods, these are very gentle on the teeth, and because you switch out the aligners every two weeks, the straightening process is almost imperceptible. You won’t feel the same discomfort you would when you go in to have your brackets and wires tightened.

There are a great many reasons why people would choose Invisalign over traditional braces. If you feel like you or your child may benefit from them, don’t hesitate to talk to your orthodontist about your options. They can help guide you through the more technical details of the process, as well as provide you with success stories from people who have already been there.

Schedule an Appointment

In Illinois, you visit Childers Orthodontics to have an examination to determine if you need to straighten your teeth. Dr. Kyle R. Childers offers his services to adults, teenagers and children in three locations that include:

Herrin – 618-997-1800
Harrisburg – 618-252-0770
Benton – 618-438-2815

After an evaluation of your mouth, our orthodontist can determine if you need to wear one of these types of devices:

Damon System – uses self-ligating brackets
Braces – made with traditional metal and wire brackets
Invisalign – aligners designed for teenagers or adults

Patients at Childers Orthodontics can also request the AcceleDent Aura system to reduce the amount of time required for their orthodontic treatment.  Schedule an appointment online or by calling (618) 438-2815.

Childers Orthodontics

201 West Washington
Benton, IL 62812
Phone: (618) 438-2815

What Is Invisalign and How Does It Work?

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Express Oil Change South Central and Southeast Supports Children’s

Children’s of Alabama would like to thank Express Oil Change locations in the South Central and Southeast part of the state for raising $20,000 during their “Changing Oil Changing Lives” coupon book campaign.  Each year, these locations sell $5 coupon books to their customers in order to raise money for the Hope and Cope program at Children’s of Alabama.  The Hope and Cope Psycho-social Program at the Alabama Center for Childhood Cancer and Blood Disorders provides a Family Support Team that walks with your family from diagnosis onward using a family-centered approach where the family and healthcare providers are partners working together to best meet the needs of the child. We are so grateful for their dedication and support to such a crucial program for the hospital.  Coupon books will be available at Express Oil locations again in February 2018.

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6 Ways to Build Confidence as an Instructor

Yoga instructor adjusting a student

Many of the world’s greatest teachers never imagined they would be instructing others. Most begin on a path of self-discovery, and by exploring their own humanity, they find others on a similar spiritual path and the desire to offer guidance and support comes naturally.

Ultimately, you are on this planet to self-realize, and as a human being, you also want to make a difference. Teaching allows you to accomplish both. Doing what you love and serving others is the ultimate Dharma (purpose).

Whether you are just starting out or are an experienced instructor looking for personal development and growth, here are six tips to increase your confidence as a teacher.

1. Conquer Your Fear of Public Speaking

One of the most common obstacles teachers face is the fear of public speaking. Envisioning yourself in front of a large audience (or even a small one) can seem terrifying at first. The comedian, Jerry Seinfeld, once joked that people fear public speaking more than dying!

To help conquer this fear, you must take action. Start by teaching one person, and then a small group (perhaps friends and family) and work your way up to a larger group. These baby steps can help you gain confidence and ease anxieties along the way.

2. Immerse Yourself in What You Love

Explore what you love and sign up for a training session or seminar. It doesn’t have to be a lifelong education—even a short course can get you on your way to formulating what you want to share and teach. Work on combining what you love with skills you already have. This is where it’s beneficial to recognize the knowledge and expertise you’ve acquired up to this point in life; it’s always more than you give yourself credit for.

Trust that with time and dedication the information will become part of your DNA. You don’t have to memorize a bunch of facts and recite them verbatim to your students. Know that it takes time to develop a way of delivering the material that is essentially you. Move away from the need for perfection and continually remind yourself of your reason for wanting to teach in the first place—to serve others. This takes the onus off of you having to get it just right.

3. Let Go of Attachments

Take time to process old beliefs that could be holding you back. For example, do you have a belief that you have to do everything perfectly? We all have patterns that hold us back, and now is the time to be honest with yourself. Deep down you know the truth. Once you have identified beliefs that are holding you back, you can replace them with new beliefs that support and even energize you. This is an important part of letting go

In addition, detach from what you think teaching people should look like. If you believe that once you become a certified instructor you’ll immediately start speaking to large groups, this may be unrealistic. Trust that in the beginning teaching to your friends and family, or even one person, has a ripple effect and each time you are honing your skills. If you’re feeling paralyzed or stuck in any way, this might mean you’re attached to how it should look.

If you do not try, you cannot fail. Not trying may seem safe, but it’s also not being fully alive. If you do not fail, you cannot grow. Remember, it took Thomas Edison more than 1,000 tries to create the light bulb. When you stop growing, you stop truly living. So, continue to try and see yourself growing in ways you never imagined.

4. Embody Who You Want to Be

After completing my first certification course at the Chopra Center, I remember thinking, “I must now step into being a teacher.” I proceeded to perfect my personal introduction. I began to act as if I were already an instructor and, as a result, the Universe brought more opportunities for me to step into this new role. Likewise, what does this look like for you? Start to identify who you want to be and embody it.

Also, keep up with your own practice(s). As a teacher, you must walk the walk. Your students will pay attention to what you do more than what you say. You will teach best from your own experience(s). If you can’t authentically say to someone, “This is what helped me,” you’ll appear disingenuous to your students.

Practice makes perfect, so practice, practice, and practice some more. All great performers practice their set over and over until they have perfected it. The language eventually becomes a part of who you are, not something you have to prepare. The information will always be there, ready to share at a moment’s notice.

5. Give It Away

It’s easy to get ahead of yourself and think clients are going to come rolling in, but it takes time to build clientele. Most entrepreneurs understand this hard reality and will offer things for free to get started. With this understanding, begin to consider what you are willing to offer, free of charge. In this way, you will be able to get your ‘practice’ in while still making a difference in the world.

Try offering your time to groups that cannot afford your classes. Know that it will come back to you ten-fold, as this is the Law of Giving and Receiving. When you want more of something, you give it away.

6. Emulate Who You Admire

Who do you admire? Who was your greatest teacher? Begin to emulate the great spiritual masters or anyone you look up to. Ask “What would so-and-so do?” If you do not have anyone you admire, then look to people in history or even celebrities. Keep in mind that any trait or characteristic you find yourself attracted to also exists within you. Nurture these same qualities within yourself and watch them grow.

Lastly, remember that being a teacher is a journey, not a destination. Over time, you may add to your repertoire, expanding what you have to offer, which will always be unique to you. As an instructor, there is fulfillment in being of service and making a positive impact on people. It soon becomes obvious that this important role is a life-long journey. You may stumble along the way, but know that each bump in the road makes you better at what you do and more confident, and will lead to greater rewards down the line.

“Confidence, clarity, and compassion are essential qualities of a teacher.”  ~B.K.S. Iyengar

Chopra Center Certifications provides the opportunity to get certified as an instructor and teach with the support of a community of Chopra Center Certified Instructors. Deepen your understanding of meditation and Ayurveda as you learn to teach others. Click here to learn more.

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About the Author
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Micole Noble

Vedic Educator, Life Coach, Meditation and Yoga Teacher
Micole Noble is a Chopra Center certified Vedic Educator, life coach, and meditation and yoga teacher. Her commitment and passion to health and wellness, along with her practical nature and corporate background, provides her with a unique set of tools to help individuals reach their career and life goals. You can learn more about Micole at www.MicoleNoble.com .Read more


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Monday, June 8, 2015

Review: Every Bride Needs a Groom by Janice Thompson

About the book:
Somewhere in a sea of tulle and taffeta, satin and crepe, Katie Fisher needs to find a key ingredient of the perfect wedding--the groom.
Small-town girl Katie Fisher is busy planning her fairy-tale wedding. Sure, her boyfriend hasn't managed to pop the question just yet, but that doesn't mean she shouldn't enter a contest in Texas Bride magazine to win the dress of her dreams, right? Anyway, she's sure he'll be getting down on one knee any time now. And a one-of-a-kind designer dress doesn't just fall out of the sky right when you need it.

But when Katie's boyfriend takes a job in another town and breaks up with her--on the very same day she wins her dream dress--her world is turned upside down. Dare she go to Dallas to claim her prize? And will the hunky pro basketball player who runs the beyond-swanky bridal shop--yeah, you read that right--discover her humiliating secret if she does?
My rating:
(View my rating system)
My thoughts:

Every Bride Needs a Groom is the first book in Janice Thompson's new series, "Brides With Style", and a good read if you're looking for a light, chick-lit story with some humor. I felt like the first half of the book moved slowly and it didn't grab my attention...but I really started to enjoy the book towards the end.

For the most part I liked the characters, although there were times things they said/did rubbed me the wrong way. I thought the ending was cute and not what you expect when starting Every Bride Needs a Groom.

All in all, a nice read. I liked the story.

*Disclosure of Material Connection: I received one or more of the products or services mentioned above for free in the hope that I would mention/review it on my blog. I was not required to give a positive review, only my honest opinion - which I've done. All thoughts and opinions expressed are my own and I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission's 16 CFR, Part 255: "Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.*

Post a Comment

Thanks for taking the time to leave a comment - I love reading them! Comments are moderated and I reserve the right to not publish any comment that I find to be offensive (i.e. foul language, inappropriate content, etc.) or spam.

Thanks for stopping by and for commenting! =)

Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things. ~ Philippians 4:8


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Home Care Aide in Hannibal, MO at CareLink

Date Posted: 2/5/2018

Job Snapshot

Job Description

CareLink - Christian Horizons (CH) has grown from one nursing home over 50 years ago to one of the largest faith-based not-for-profits in the country with 13 communities across 4 states. The CH family of ministries also includes Senior Care Pharmacy, CareLink nurse-guided care and Safe Haven Hospice. Experience a new pathway to senior living – a future in which older adults thrive.

We offer a place to live your faith, a place to grow and be valued. As a faith-based organization, we strive to provide resident-centered, cost-effective health care programs and services to each and every resident in our community.

We are seeking Home Care Aides to provide assistance with activities of daily living, unskilled personal care, housekeeping, personal laundry and companion services in a client’s personal residence to provide a support system to enable the client to remain safely and comfortably in his or her own home. The assistance provided by the Home Care Aide is not medical in nature; he/she assists the client in meeting the demands of living independently, including cleaning, laundry, shopping, meal preparation, dressing, and bathing.

Essential Tasks include, but are not limited to, the following, functioning within all policies, procedures, rules and regulations applicable to the organization.

  • Provides information, as appropriate based on client’s wishes and agreed upon with others involved in the client’s support system, to help maintain a safe and healthy environment.
  • Utilizes contacts to alert others in the client’s support system regarding changes in condition.
  • Keeps client’s Nurse and/or Care Coordinator up to date on client condition and needs.
  • Provides input for the development of the Plan of Treatment and/or Home Services Plan.
  • Assists with bathing, and with general skin care as long as the skin is unbroken and any chronic skin problems are not active.
  • Assists with dressing, which includes ordinary clothing and application of support stockings if they are they type not prescribed by a physician.
  • Assists with hair, which includes shampooing with non-medicated shampoo, drying and styling hair, and nail care, including soaking, pushing back cuticles and filing, but not trimming. The Home Care Aide may assist with shaving with an electric or safety razor.
  • Assists with mouth care, including denture care and basic oral hygiene.
  • Assists with toileting, including help to and from the bathroom, assistance with bedpans, urinals and commodes and changing clothing and pads used for the care of incontinence. May also empty or change external urinary collection devices.
  • Assists with feeding clients who can independently swallow and be positioned upright.
  • Assists with positioning when the client is able to identify to the worker when the position needs to be changed and no skilled skin care is required with the position change.
  • Assists with transfers when the client has sufficient balance and strength to reliably stand and pivot to assist with the transfer.
  • Assists with ambulation, and assists with exercise in the form of encouragement of normal bodily movement with a prescribed exercise plan.
  • Reminds the client to take medications which have been pre-selected by the client, family, nurse or pharmacist when stored in medication reminder containers. Assistance can include handing the appropriately marked container to the client and opening the container if the client is unable to do so.
  • Assists with meal preparation, cooking, cleaning, laundry, shopping and with appointments outside the home.
  • Provides companionship through conversation and activities that will keep the client engaged and occupied.
  • Facilitates social contacts as needed and desired by the client.
  • Implements all duties and activities to be consistent with the Home Services Plan.
  • Completes appropriate documentation and submits it in a timely manner to facilitate billing.
  • Maintains the confidentiality of all documents under his/her control at all times including the client’s personal, financial, and health information. Follows all HIPAA regulations and company policy and procedures.
  • Follow policy and procedure regarding reporting of abuse and neglect.
  • Promote client dignity, independence, self-determination, privacy and choice.
  • Practice good hygiene, infection control and safety. Be prompt and reliable.
  • Be sensitive to client limitations, such as failing eyesight, hearing, etc.
  • Attend and participate in appropriate internal staff development programs.
  • Consistently maintains focus on Christian Horizons mission and maintain highest level of confidentiality regarding company and client information.
  • Other job related duties as assigned.
  • Must have a High School Diploma or GED.
  • Ability to follow and give written and oral directions.
  • One Year of experience is preferred in a home care or private duty setting.
  • Possess the ability to communicate effectively and deal effectively and tactfully with personnel, clients, families, government agencies and the general public.
  • Pass background check before and during employment, as defined by the organization’s policy, with no disqualifications by committing or attempting to commit one or more of the offenses defined within.


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How to read Winmail.dat attachments
Thursday / Jul 31, 2014 /

Fix: An email recipient receives a winmail.dat instead of attachments

Christine Otten

Recipients notify you that the e-mail messages you send to them appear as messages with an attachment called winmail.dat. Cause • You are using the Rich Text message format, which the recipient’s e-mail program cannot interpret correctly. • The recipients email address has become “corrupt” in Outlook’s “auto-complete” list. The Auto-Complete List is a feature…

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Friday, October 5, 2012

American Limoges Coral Set and An Old Paris

I am going to FL to visit my kids and grandkids and by the time this posts, I will already be holding my precious grandbabies. Yay! So, I apologize if I do not get to visit you sooner but I will try to catch up.
Today, Oct. 5th is also my wedding anniversary and my wonderful, kind, hard working, and generous hubby, John. I have been so busy closing the store and packing and cleaning (I don't like to go on a trip with a dirty house even if it is really a mess by the time I get back, lol), so I forgot about it. Shame, shame on me! But I had a present for him, just not wrapped. He woke me up so early to wish me so I snuck out into the walk in closet while he was in the shower and bagged the present, lol. I don't feel too bad cause his present for me did not get here on time either. He said it is still in the mail and hopes it comes today. Happy Anniversary, M! I love you very much and pray for my blessings everyday of having you, even if I am bratty sometime:-)!
Sorry for the interruption, let's go back to my china.
The gravy boat below was named "Diploma Coral Pink" I noticed it does not have that darker pink band like what you see on the other pieces below.
I thought I would post this for Beverly Pink Saturday at
I am linking with more which I will enter at the bottom of this post.
While many others are posting the warm colors of Fall, I thought I would be a little different by posting something sweeter than warmer in color, my pink American Limoges china set. I have seen them in 3 pattern names, Coronet Rose, Federal Coral Pink and Diploma Coral Pink. I guess I should call them coral in color since that seems to be common in all the descriptive patterns. They are all similar in looks with that gold edging, kinda looks like a Greek crown to me and a very pale and delicate coral/peach/pink sweet color. You might have seen these in the past but I acquired more pieces on Ebay on different occasions and I am always on the lookout for more.
 You might have seen my dear friend, Fabby of 's pretty blue version of them.

 As you can see, I only have a tea pot, cream and sugar servers, 2 sets of demitasse cups and saucers, 8 teacups and 5 saucers, 8 salad plates, 1 charger plate, 6 bowls and 4 dinner plates so I am still searching for more pieces.
 I also found this antique Old Paris piece from a basement of an antique shop. The basement is where they put their garage sale items. I got it for $16 and is supposed to be a base for something that is missing on top, perhaps a compote? But I thought I could use it for a candle holder and I do not own anyhing Old Paris since they are scarce and expensive especially when they are in good shape. You will see it here with a candle on top.
 I am glad I got it cause it is really pretty, I think. I can even put a bowl on top of it.

 I can use the charger plate for a tray for my tea set.
Thanks for stopping by and for your wonderful comments! And thank you, especially to our hostesses. I appreciate all your efforts and hard work.
Kathryn's 8Make it Pretty Monday
Mary's Masterpieces Monday
Kathy's A Return To Loveliness
Sandi's Teatime Tue
Martha and Terri's Teacup Tues
Tuesday Cuppa tea
Miss Spencer's Teacup Thursday
Katherine for Favorite Things Thursday Hop
Kathleen's Let's Dish

Richella for Grace at Home

GinaBVictorian said...

Hi Christine, Happy Anniversary to you and your hubby! I hope you are having a wonderful time with your grandbabies, how sweet! Your dinnerware set is beautiful and I like that Old Paris piece too. Gina

Debjani said...

Happy Anniversary Dr. Wright and Christine (again)! Hope your day is just as special as the both of your are! Wonderful blog, btw, Christine; the dinnerware is very elegant!

Debjani said...
This comment has been removed by the author.
mypinkprettiesaboutme said...

I love your china. It is very elegant and could be used for most occasions. But I don't know what your little garage sale piece originally was either but I love it too.

Thx for sharing

The French Hutch said...

Hi Christine, enjoy those grand babies, wish I were with mine now. What beautiful china. I saw this once on a historical home tour and the china was displayed in all its glory. Happy Anniversary........

The French Hutch

Lady Linda said...

Happy Anniversary to you! The china is beautiful. I am green with envy thinking of you and those sweet babies. Have fun.

Happy Anniversary to you and John, my sweet friend!! May God bless your marriage for, 1000 years more! Have a great time with the cuties, so lucky you are. Alejandroi and me are here, at Sofia's house too, with our grandgirls, there's a holiday in this town, the girls are off for a week from school. The American Limoges are beautiful, I love the pink, mine are turquoise! I love the lovely Old Paris piece too! Have a wonderful evening!

Sarah said...

Christine, happy anniversary to you and John. And enjoy your time with those babies!
Beautiful dishes. I've been away from my computer and haven't been able to comment often. Love the topiary ones below as well.........Sarah

Dredd said...

Happy Anniversary Christine & John! I am wishing you both more healthy & wonderful years together! Enjoy your visit to your grandkids.

Chubskulit Rose said...

Beautiful set. Happy anniversary! Happy Pink Saturday.

Your comment at my PINK Post is always appreciated.

Have a great weekend!

Marigene said...

Happy anniversary to you and your hubby! Very pretty china pattern.

The Quintessential Magpie said...

Dearest one... Happy Anniversary to you and John! Wishing you many more happy years together. :-)

Love your pretty dishes. I am a huge lover of Old Paris and am blessed to have some pieces of it. That stand is so pretty, and it is perfect for a candle. And you know, you could add a crystal top and have a pretty cake plate, too!

Have fun in Florida. It's hot down here!

Kathryn Ferguson Griffin said...

Those dishes are stunning! Thank you for sharing this at my Make it Pretty Monday party at The Dedicated House. Hope to see your prettiness again next Monday. Toodles, Kathryn @TheDedicatedHouse

Snap said...

Happy Anniversary and all your pink is lovely!!! Happy Tea Day!

Antiques And Teacups said...

Happy anniversary. I'm sure you are enjoying your visit with family. Your pink china was perfect for PS and thanks for linking to Tuesday Cuppa Tea!

Sandi@ Rose Chintz Cottage said...

Happy Anniversay to you and John! I love your pretty pink rimmed china. I know you are enjoying your grandbabies and thank you for taking the time to link this with Tea Time. Have a beautiful week.

Martha's Favorites said...

Happy Anniversary dear friend: Love the china. You are a very luck laday. Blessings, Martha

sandy said...

Happy Anniversary! Very pretty china and the Old Paris piece looks lovely also! Enjoy your time with your grandchildren!
Sandy ;)

Mid-Atlantic Martha said...

Happy Anniversary! Love your pretty pink china...and I know that you're in heaven holding those grandsbabies! Enjoy those sweet times....thanks for your visit too!

Thank you honey. Yeah, I like the new style fridge, with the freezer in the lower part, since I'm not to tall, it's perfect!! How was your Anniversary? Have fun, if you're still with the cuties. We will be here til Sunday too. Big hugs,

Michele @ The Nest at Finch Rest said...

That is gorgeous china - and really perfect for Breast Cancer Awareness month!

I hope you are enjoying/enjoyed your trip to The Sunshine State and holding your gbabies. That has to be the best feeling ever.

I only hope one day I may be a grandma - one can only hope!

And may you enjoy many more happy anniversaries together. Blessings to you both.

Linda Primmer said...

Hi Christine, first of all happy Anniversary. I know you will so happy to hold your loved ones again.
Your dinnerware is lovely....Enjoy your visit and kiss the babies.

Ola, parabéns pelo aniversário de casamento. Você canta num coral, eu também cantei muitos anos. Adorei sua visita.
Tenha uma ótima semana, fique com Deus.
Minha vida de campo.

Shenita @ Embellishments by SLR said...

Happy Anniversary, Christine! Your china is gorgeous!!!

Kathy A Delightsome Life said...

I'm working backwards! Visiting A Return to Loveliness participants! So glad you shared! Hope you have a wonderful day,

Marlis said...

Happy Happy Anniversary.. I know you are having a good time! Love your pretty dishes. The hunt is half the fun. Good luck with yours. xo marlis

Pat said...

Happy Anniversary. I know you are having a wonderful time with the g'kids.

I am loving this dinnerware!

Alycia Nichols said...

Beautiful china, Christine! I hope you are having a wonderful time with your grandbabies, and I wish you and John a very happy anniversary!

Zaa said...

Happy Anniversary Christine... I know that you'll be having a glorious time with all your grand babies... Love this limoge dinnerware... It simple yet so very elegant...Have a wonderful holiday with your family ... Hugs

laurie said...

Belated Happy Anniversary to you and John. What pretty china, and I bet the pretty little French piece will be useful for a lot of things. I'm thinking a glass hurricane over a candle would look pretty on it. I know you are having a wonderful visit with the grands! laurie

Creations By Cindy said...

Beautiful dishes! Hugs and blessings, Cindy

indiastajmahal said...

Beautiful Dishes.Taj Mahal Trip

Entertaining Women said...

You could have even put your plate with your tea set on top of the Old Paris stand....great find. I like to collect patterns as I come across them, too. You're dinnerware is such a wonderful coral pink. Have a great time with those babies. Cherry Kay

Katherines Corner said...

happy belated anniversary wishes! thank you for sharing at the Thursday Favorite Things blog hop. Wishing you a beautiful day xo

Richella said...

Hope you had a wonderful anniversary! Blessings to you as you spend time with your sweet grandchildren--how blessed they are to have such lovely grandparents!

What lovely china you've collected--these pieces will work wonderfully on your welcoming table.

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The Library of Congress > Chronicling America > The Newberry herald. > April 26, 1871

Search America's historic newspaper pages from 1789-1949 or use the U.S. Newspaper Directory to find information about American newspapers published between 1690-present. Chronicling America is sponsored jointly by the National Endowment for the Humanities external link and the Library of Congress. Learn more

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What is this?

Q. What is this? A. A miracle.

What an ungodly time to post anything about chukar. Right now, all here is mud. Now is the time to focus on the losing battles of keeping your house as clean as you in no way can. Now is the time to ignore dirt drying on carpet if at all possible. Now is the time to look at pictures of the fall in a silly, futile effort to pretend things are drier and cleaner.

I just happened across this photo from last December. It appears to me now as some sort of miracle. Taken by my wife in a fraction of a second, one frozen moment of my 51-plus years here, followed by two boys a fraction of my age, traversing velvety-beige glowing, basalt-infested undulating slopes of cheatgrass choked earthfolds, its surrealness starts tears. How does this happen? What things had to align themselves for this one moment, regardless of whether – but only because – it was photographed? It is uncanny. And then you realize that every photograph says this much and more.

Thank god. Thank god for life and memory. We do what we do, and – as long as we can – we remember.

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