A very MERRY CHRISTMAS and HAPPY NEW YEAR
to all of my BLOG readers and followers. . .
Friday, December 24, 2010
Friday, December 17, 2010
MOTHERS QUESTION TO ME. . .
Those of you who read my blog and know me well know that my mother is still very much alive, 90 years old , lives in Indiana in a lovely Senior Community. Mother still drives, cooks, bakes for her friends, shops, goes out socially, and even babysits my Aunt, her 91 year old sister that lives with her son & DIL, when they go somewhere too hard to take her. The two sisters have a pajama party of sorts, make cookies, eat and play Bunco. It does the heart good to know they have such fun together still.
My Aunt, now a widow had three children, one daughter and two sons. Her family always seemed quite close and never moved from Indiana. After my Uncle passed away one son took his mother in where she is treated with the greatest respect and love. They all meet every Christmas Eve at one brothers home and celebrate together with all the other relatives in town.
My mother's question to me was: why don't my children get along with one another?
All except my son have moved away from Indiana to far away places. She wishes just once before she dies we could all be together in a loving way. Unfortunately my mother worked from the time I can remember. She worked from 3:00 in the afternoon until 10:00 p.m. at night. I would get home from school to serve dinner to my two sibblings that mother had pretty much prepared before she went to work. My dad worked three shifts in the Steel Mill, so was there only a part of the time. As trhe eldest, I became babysitter, missed after school activities and resented my sibblings because of it. They in turn resented me for being able to boss them around as they put it. But even worse; my parents hated one another, my mother was verbally abused, and my father was sick in the head with jealously, for no reason. We kids grew up with few expressions of love. None ever between our parents. I believe most children learn from what they are shown by their parents. Coldness breeds coldness, and then my other two sibblings (sisters) came so late in life. One nine years after the three of us, (brother, me & my sister) then another when I was married and pregnant. My baby sister was born four months after my own son. I never really knew her and we are basically still strangers. I moved away to Illinois then Las Vegas, my two younger sisters married and moved to Colorado. My one sister stayed in Indiana but passed away early in her life from complications from MS. My brother has Epilepsy and lived all his life with my mother until he recently got his own apartment in a building next to my mother. They have their own places but she still has to drive him everywhere and keeps a close eye on him. So my answer to my mother is that children mostly imitate what they see, and feel growing up. I longed to be closer to my mother like my girlfriends were with their moms but my mother HAD TO WORK. . .
The strange thing is I did exactly the same thing to my own two sons, work, work and work even more and now I am reeping what I have sewn, alone on the holidays; my sons in the same town but busy elsewhere. So you see history repeats itself and that is not always a good thing. Would my sons or sibblings be any different if circumstances had been different? I don't know, and guess I never will. . .
Wishing you all a MERRY CHRISTMAS and HAPPY NEW YEAR.
Those of you who read my blog and know me well know that my mother is still very much alive, 90 years old , lives in Indiana in a lovely Senior Community. Mother still drives, cooks, bakes for her friends, shops, goes out socially, and even babysits my Aunt, her 91 year old sister that lives with her son & DIL, when they go somewhere too hard to take her. The two sisters have a pajama party of sorts, make cookies, eat and play Bunco. It does the heart good to know they have such fun together still.
My Aunt, now a widow had three children, one daughter and two sons. Her family always seemed quite close and never moved from Indiana. After my Uncle passed away one son took his mother in where she is treated with the greatest respect and love. They all meet every Christmas Eve at one brothers home and celebrate together with all the other relatives in town.
My mother's question to me was: why don't my children get along with one another?
All except my son have moved away from Indiana to far away places. She wishes just once before she dies we could all be together in a loving way. Unfortunately my mother worked from the time I can remember. She worked from 3:00 in the afternoon until 10:00 p.m. at night. I would get home from school to serve dinner to my two sibblings that mother had pretty much prepared before she went to work. My dad worked three shifts in the Steel Mill, so was there only a part of the time. As trhe eldest, I became babysitter, missed after school activities and resented my sibblings because of it. They in turn resented me for being able to boss them around as they put it. But even worse; my parents hated one another, my mother was verbally abused, and my father was sick in the head with jealously, for no reason. We kids grew up with few expressions of love. None ever between our parents. I believe most children learn from what they are shown by their parents. Coldness breeds coldness, and then my other two sibblings (sisters) came so late in life. One nine years after the three of us, (brother, me & my sister) then another when I was married and pregnant. My baby sister was born four months after my own son. I never really knew her and we are basically still strangers. I moved away to Illinois then Las Vegas, my two younger sisters married and moved to Colorado. My one sister stayed in Indiana but passed away early in her life from complications from MS. My brother has Epilepsy and lived all his life with my mother until he recently got his own apartment in a building next to my mother. They have their own places but she still has to drive him everywhere and keeps a close eye on him. So my answer to my mother is that children mostly imitate what they see, and feel growing up. I longed to be closer to my mother like my girlfriends were with their moms but my mother HAD TO WORK. . .
The strange thing is I did exactly the same thing to my own two sons, work, work and work even more and now I am reeping what I have sewn, alone on the holidays; my sons in the same town but busy elsewhere. So you see history repeats itself and that is not always a good thing. Would my sons or sibblings be any different if circumstances had been different? I don't know, and guess I never will. . .
Wishing you all a MERRY CHRISTMAS and HAPPY NEW YEAR.
Friday, December 10, 2010
GET TO KNOW MISTLETOE
Here are some Surprising Facts about MISTLETOE. . .
I'm sure at one time or another in your life you either kissed someone or were kissed under the mistletoe! Well just so you know Mistletoe is much more than a cluster of berries that inspires the courage to kiss. Mistletoe is actually a parasite, yep it's true! It steals the nutrients it needs from the tree it grows on. It's berries can cause illiness, so be sure to treat real mistletoe you come in contact with with caution. Here are some other little known facts about mistletoe:
There are two types of mistletoe. The one we see most often around the holidays is native to North America and grows on trees in many parts of the U.S. The other type is of European origin.
A mistletoe infestation can kill the host tree. Some tree species though, seem to be resistant to the so-called charisma of this partial parasite. Bradford flowering pears, sycamores, redwoods, and cedar trees are rarely infested.
Druids used mistletoe as a charm. It was believed to offer protection from evil and was used to create cures called potions. In modern times midtletoe has been promoted as a folk cure for cancer. However, numerous studies have found no support for its efficacy against the disease.
The tradition of kissing beneath the mistletoe may arise from Norse mythology. Count your kisses because legend has it, you can steal only so many kisses beneath the mistletoe. For every smooch, you're suppose to remove one berry. Once all berries are gone so is the opportunity to pucker up. . .
I'm sure at one time or another in your life you either kissed someone or were kissed under the mistletoe! Well just so you know Mistletoe is much more than a cluster of berries that inspires the courage to kiss. Mistletoe is actually a parasite, yep it's true! It steals the nutrients it needs from the tree it grows on. It's berries can cause illiness, so be sure to treat real mistletoe you come in contact with with caution. Here are some other little known facts about mistletoe:
There are two types of mistletoe. The one we see most often around the holidays is native to North America and grows on trees in many parts of the U.S. The other type is of European origin.
A mistletoe infestation can kill the host tree. Some tree species though, seem to be resistant to the so-called charisma of this partial parasite. Bradford flowering pears, sycamores, redwoods, and cedar trees are rarely infested.
Druids used mistletoe as a charm. It was believed to offer protection from evil and was used to create cures called potions. In modern times midtletoe has been promoted as a folk cure for cancer. However, numerous studies have found no support for its efficacy against the disease.
The tradition of kissing beneath the mistletoe may arise from Norse mythology. Count your kisses because legend has it, you can steal only so many kisses beneath the mistletoe. For every smooch, you're suppose to remove one berry. Once all berries are gone so is the opportunity to pucker up. . .
Saturday, December 4, 2010
NEW BEGINNING IN NEW YEAR
The New Year is right around the corner. Sure you could resolve to lose a few pounds or be better about saving money, or starting an exercise regime. This year though, why not try something completely different, something out of the ordinary for you. Here are some alternative resolutions:
EXPLORE YOUR SURROUNDINGS. . .
Check out restaurants, parks, museums and other attractions in your area you've never visited.
BRANCH OUT WITH BOOKS . . .
Can't afford a trip to a far off locale? Read a book set in the country of your dreams. Always read the same type of books? Change, be different, if you love romance novels, try a good mystery. If you usually read fiction check out a best selling novel.
BROADEN YOUR PALATE. . .
Get out and sample new unusual cuisines or vow to cook one new recipe each week.
MAKE TIME TO HELP OTHERS. . .
Seasoned volunteers say their work is even more beneficial to them than the recipients of their time and labor.
MAKE TIME FOR YOURSELF. . .
Taking time to relax isn't lazy - you're merely recharging ytour battery.
GET IN FRONT OF YOUR FRIENDS. . .
Phones and social networking sites are great for connecting with friends far and wide, but nothing can replace a face to face conversation
GAIN SOME KNOWLEDGE - LEARN SOMETHING NEW. . .
Whether it's a foreign language or dance steps or computer skills, and you'll end the new year mentally richer.
Next week I am going to offer a quiz on Mistletoe. Lets see how much we actually know!!!
EXPLORE YOUR SURROUNDINGS. . .
Check out restaurants, parks, museums and other attractions in your area you've never visited.
BRANCH OUT WITH BOOKS . . .
Can't afford a trip to a far off locale? Read a book set in the country of your dreams. Always read the same type of books? Change, be different, if you love romance novels, try a good mystery. If you usually read fiction check out a best selling novel.
BROADEN YOUR PALATE. . .
Get out and sample new unusual cuisines or vow to cook one new recipe each week.
MAKE TIME TO HELP OTHERS. . .
Seasoned volunteers say their work is even more beneficial to them than the recipients of their time and labor.
MAKE TIME FOR YOURSELF. . .
Taking time to relax isn't lazy - you're merely recharging ytour battery.
GET IN FRONT OF YOUR FRIENDS. . .
Phones and social networking sites are great for connecting with friends far and wide, but nothing can replace a face to face conversation
GAIN SOME KNOWLEDGE - LEARN SOMETHING NEW. . .
Whether it's a foreign language or dance steps or computer skills, and you'll end the new year mentally richer.
Next week I am going to offer a quiz on Mistletoe. Lets see how much we actually know!!!
Saturday, November 27, 2010
SHOP SAFELY - ONLINE AND OFF
Thieves are poised to take advantage of any misques that frantic shoppers make. Help keep your holiday season theft free by following these simple tips:
Protect your purse and wallet:
Your handbag sitting in the shopping cart makes it easy game for a quick criminal if you look away for even a minute. The same goes for hanging it on back of your chair at a food court. Wallets should be carried in a front pocket.
Don't load yourself down:
By minimizing the number of packages you have to juggle, you can pay more attention to your surroundings and you reduce the risk of losing a package.
Dress comfortably and that includes shoes:
Shopping in high heels not only leads to sore feet - it also marks you as a shopper that can't run very fast after a thief.
Don't advertise:
If you're traveling from store to store by car, hide all purchases in your trunk. Also, don't flash large wads of cash in public.
Proof of purchase:
Buying with a credit or debit card creates a paper trail in case you lose your receipt. Also, many credit card companies offer reimbursement if you're a victim of fraud.
Be especially careful online:
It's safest to patronize familiar retailers on the web. As an extra precaution, consider shopping with a prepaid debit card (available at many retailers).
Protect your purse and wallet:
Your handbag sitting in the shopping cart makes it easy game for a quick criminal if you look away for even a minute. The same goes for hanging it on back of your chair at a food court. Wallets should be carried in a front pocket.
Don't load yourself down:
By minimizing the number of packages you have to juggle, you can pay more attention to your surroundings and you reduce the risk of losing a package.
Dress comfortably and that includes shoes:
Shopping in high heels not only leads to sore feet - it also marks you as a shopper that can't run very fast after a thief.
Don't advertise:
If you're traveling from store to store by car, hide all purchases in your trunk. Also, don't flash large wads of cash in public.
Proof of purchase:
Buying with a credit or debit card creates a paper trail in case you lose your receipt. Also, many credit card companies offer reimbursement if you're a victim of fraud.
Be especially careful online:
It's safest to patronize familiar retailers on the web. As an extra precaution, consider shopping with a prepaid debit card (available at many retailers).
Friday, November 19, 2010
WHAT THE HELL IS NEXT?????
I am extremely ticked off and frightened at the same time. I was taught by my father and other men I respect that when our Government starts trying to grow larger than WE THE PEOPLE by controling the food, the guns and the jobs thats when we become a nation run by a dictator. Recently I received several petitions to sigh to try and stop this corrupt O'Bama government from making anyone owning firearms have to report it on their income tax returns from now on. This would have to be done in order to keep from being fined, have your guns consficated and even do some possible jail time. Also the bill stipulates, they, whoever they are, have the right to enter our homes uninvited to make sure we keep our guns child safe, and if not the same punishments apply. Reminds me of old Communist Russia with Big Brother watching...
Now as bad as that is there is even a worse bill trying to be slid past the Congress/Senate by guess who??? Big ears, he lies alot? You got it!!!! This law seems to have been past recently in Europe but not to such a degree as ours would be. It is called "Criminalizing Gardening." If you go to my Facebook page under Charleen Micheles and click the picture under this topic the entire ridiculous/disgusting article can be read. It is another example of 'follow the money.' Todays supplements and natural healing have become frighteningly popular because they are inexpensive and work. The big drug companies are terrified because we aren't falling for their hipe and not depending on their dangerous/poisonous drugs. People wanting to eat healthier are gardening and growing organic, natural healthy vegetables. In this bill they even have a paragraph that if you should save seeds and get caught it is punishable the same as if you were selling drugs. Can you imagine that??? Anyhow read the article and sigh the petition if you can...
Besides having to buy O'Bama Care where does that leave us if they decides we all need to ride bicycles, or live without air-conditioning, the examples are endless, and all things we in this country have earned and yes, take for granted.?? Sound ridiculous? Well think again. Dictators are some of the most dangerous people around and we don't need one in these United States. I can't believe what is in some of the bills he and his co-conspiritors are trying to sneak by us and our new representatives on Capitol hill. So please pay attention and if interested in our future read the article on Crimilinizing Gardening as an example of insanity run wild.
Now as bad as that is there is even a worse bill trying to be slid past the Congress/Senate by guess who??? Big ears, he lies alot? You got it!!!! This law seems to have been past recently in Europe but not to such a degree as ours would be. It is called "Criminalizing Gardening." If you go to my Facebook page under Charleen Micheles and click the picture under this topic the entire ridiculous/disgusting article can be read. It is another example of 'follow the money.' Todays supplements and natural healing have become frighteningly popular because they are inexpensive and work. The big drug companies are terrified because we aren't falling for their hipe and not depending on their dangerous/poisonous drugs. People wanting to eat healthier are gardening and growing organic, natural healthy vegetables. In this bill they even have a paragraph that if you should save seeds and get caught it is punishable the same as if you were selling drugs. Can you imagine that??? Anyhow read the article and sigh the petition if you can...
Besides having to buy O'Bama Care where does that leave us if they decides we all need to ride bicycles, or live without air-conditioning, the examples are endless, and all things we in this country have earned and yes, take for granted.?? Sound ridiculous? Well think again. Dictators are some of the most dangerous people around and we don't need one in these United States. I can't believe what is in some of the bills he and his co-conspiritors are trying to sneak by us and our new representatives on Capitol hill. So please pay attention and if interested in our future read the article on Crimilinizing Gardening as an example of insanity run wild.
Friday, October 29, 2010
Another day, another holiday!
I want to wish all my blog followers a very HAPPY HALLOWEEN ..........
I was having a conversation with some folks in the resort I live in about a party we are having for Halloween on Saturday evening, all hallows eve. Many of our residents will be dressing up in costume and some will not. I usually go to the parties every year but haven't worn a costume in years. I usually take out my little black dress and wear an ample amount of gawdy jewelry and dance the night away. We are a gated community and have never in the 20 years I have lived here gotten trick ot treaters. I can't say that upsets me. I have two sons and two grandsons so I have done my share of trick or treating and passing out goodies at our door.
We all agreed it seems Halloween has become more for the adults in these past years than for the kids. More parties, more costumes rented and more adult shinanigans. Where ever you go, if you go out, be safe, lots of drunken idiots roaming the streets not caring who they might hurt. Luckily I will be at one of our beautiful, safe clubhouses behind locked gates so no problem here.
HAPPY HALLOWEEN my friends....
Here is a recipe I like to make on Halloween as a dessert after dinner. It's light, not fattening and so very tasty, also easy to make too...
1 envelope unflavored gelatin
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon nutmeg
1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
1/4 teaspoon ginger
1/2 cup cold water
2 eggs yolks, lightly beaten
1 cup heavy cream
1 1/4 cups canned pumpkin
8 packets sugar substitute
2 egg whites
Combine gelatin, salt and spices. Add 1/4 water. Stir.
Mix egg yolks with heavy cream, 1/4 cup water, and pumpkin in top of double boiler. Add gelatin mixture. Cook over boiling water for 10 minutes, stirring constantly.
Refrigerate until thick as unbeaten egg whites. Stir occasionally. Add sugar substitute (taste for sweetness.)
Beat the egg whites until stiff. Fold the chilled pumpkin mixture into egg whites. Be careful not to break down the volume of egg whites. Turn into a 1 1/2 quart souffle dish. Refrigerate.
Serves 8 people...
I was having a conversation with some folks in the resort I live in about a party we are having for Halloween on Saturday evening, all hallows eve. Many of our residents will be dressing up in costume and some will not. I usually go to the parties every year but haven't worn a costume in years. I usually take out my little black dress and wear an ample amount of gawdy jewelry and dance the night away. We are a gated community and have never in the 20 years I have lived here gotten trick ot treaters. I can't say that upsets me. I have two sons and two grandsons so I have done my share of trick or treating and passing out goodies at our door.
We all agreed it seems Halloween has become more for the adults in these past years than for the kids. More parties, more costumes rented and more adult shinanigans. Where ever you go, if you go out, be safe, lots of drunken idiots roaming the streets not caring who they might hurt. Luckily I will be at one of our beautiful, safe clubhouses behind locked gates so no problem here.
HAPPY HALLOWEEN my friends....
Here is a recipe I like to make on Halloween as a dessert after dinner. It's light, not fattening and so very tasty, also easy to make too...
1 envelope unflavored gelatin
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon nutmeg
1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
1/4 teaspoon ginger
1/2 cup cold water
2 eggs yolks, lightly beaten
1 cup heavy cream
1 1/4 cups canned pumpkin
8 packets sugar substitute
2 egg whites
Combine gelatin, salt and spices. Add 1/4 water. Stir.
Mix egg yolks with heavy cream, 1/4 cup water, and pumpkin in top of double boiler. Add gelatin mixture. Cook over boiling water for 10 minutes, stirring constantly.
Refrigerate until thick as unbeaten egg whites. Stir occasionally. Add sugar substitute (taste for sweetness.)
Beat the egg whites until stiff. Fold the chilled pumpkin mixture into egg whites. Be careful not to break down the volume of egg whites. Turn into a 1 1/2 quart souffle dish. Refrigerate.
Serves 8 people...
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