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~Cool Picks by Phyllis~
Happy Autumn to you all! I'm back again with another Cool Pick website to tell you about. This time I thought I'd share one that is timely. Soon we'll be electing a new President. No matter what party you belong to, its important to vote. Prior to 1920, women were not allowed to vote. But there were some brave women who decided not to accept this. They picketed the White House and were thrown in jail for it. Check out this link to read about women suffragists, and what they endured so that women would have the right to vote for the President of their country.
http://www.rense.com/general83/whywomen.htm
Don't take your right to vote for granted!
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This week we are learning about Alaska...
Outsiders first discovered Alaska in 1741 when Danish explorer Vitus Jonassen Bering sighted it on a voyage from Siberia.
In 1867 United States Secretary of State William H. Seward offered Russia $7,200,000, or two cents per acre, for Alaska. On October 18, 1867 Alaska officially became the property of the United States. Many Americans called the purchase "Seward's Folly."
Joe Juneau's 1880 discovery of gold ushered in the gold rush era.
In 1943 Japan invaded the Aleutian Islands, which started the One Thousand Mile War, the first battle fought on American soil since the Civil War...
Alaska officially became the 49th state on January 3, 1959.
The Trans-Alaska Pipeline moves up to 88,000 barrels of oil per hour on its 800 mile journey to Valdez.
Most of America's salmon, crab, halibut, and herring come from Alaska.
The state motto is North to the Future. The state boasts the lowest population density in the nation.
Alaska is a geographical marvel. When a scale map of Alaska is superimposed on a map of the 48 lower states, Alaska extends from coast to coast.
The state's coastline extends over 6,600 miles.
Alaska is the United State's largest state and is over twice the size of Texas. Measuring from north to south the state is approximately 1,400 miles long and measuring from east to west it is 2,700 miles wide.
17 of the 20 highest peaks in the United States are located in Alaska.
At 20,320 feet above sea level, Mt. McKinley, located in Alaska's interior, is the highest point in North America.
Juneau is the only capital city in the United States accessible only by boat or plane.
The state's largest city is Anchorage; the second largest is Fairbanks...
In 1915 the record high temperature in Alaska was 100 degrees Fahrenheit at Fort Yukon; the record low temperature was -80 degrees Fahrenheit at Prospect Creek Camp in 1971.
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I thought this would be the perfect time of the year to learn more about pumpkins...
Pumpkins are grown primarily for processing with a small percentage grown for ornamental sales through you-pick farms, farmers’ market and retail sales.
Pumpkin seeds can be roasted as a snack.
Pumpkins contain potassium and Vitamin A.
Pumpkin flowers are edible.
The largest pumpkin pie ever made was over five feet in diameter and weighed over 350 pounds. It used 80 pounds of cooked pumpkin, 36 pounds of sugar, 12 dozen eggs and took six hours to bake.
In early colonial times, pumpkins were used as an ingredient for the crust of pies, not the filling.
Pumpkins were once recommended for removing freckles and curing snake bites.
Pumpkins range in size from less than a pound to over 1,000 pounds.
The largest pumpkin ever grown weighed 1,140 pounds.
The name pumpkin orginated from "pepon" – the Greek word for "large melon."
Pumpkins are 90 percent water.
Pumpkins are fruit.
Eighty percent of the pumpkin supply in the United States is available in October.
Colonists sliced off pumpkin tops; removed seeds and filled the insides with milk, spices and honey. This was baked in hot ashes and is the origin of pumpkin pie.
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Recently Marianne sent me a forward with some of the funniest pictures! It prompted me to check out the web site and I thought it was a hoot so I wanted to share it:
http://totallylookslike.com/
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Did You Know?
You can cut down the number of national advertising telephone solicitation calls you get by sending your name, address and telephone number to:
Telephone Preference Service
Direct Marketing Association
P. O. Box 9014Farmingdale, NY 11735-9014
Names remain on the Preference List for five years. After five years, you will have to register again. If you continue to receive unwanted calls, request that your name be removed from their list when a company calls.
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~Diet Column by Phyllis~
This week I'd like to talk about finding a diet that works for you. There are tons of diets out there, from Atkins to Weight Watchers, but which one is best? The answer is not the same for everyone. What works for me might not work for you. The diet that I'm on is one that involves counting calories and keeping a food journal. I allow myself 1500 calories a day and I keep track of my calorie count in my food journal. I have also chosen to no longer eat meat or animal products. But you don't have to be a vegan to lose weight! I suggest you check out several different diets before deciding on which one is for you. If you can't live without bread and pasta, then don't even try to go on a low carb diet like Atkins, because chances are you won't be able to stick with it. If you don't have time to go to meetings, then Weight Watchers probably isn't the diet for you either. The best diet is one that matches your personal preferences. If you force yourself into a diet plan that is not right for you, you will only end up disappointed and discouraged because you probably won't be able to stick to it.
Another point I'd like to make is that along with your diet, you also need to exercise regularly. Again, you need to choose an exercise program that you can stick with. For me, its Curves. I workout there 5 times a week, plus I also wear a pedometer and try to walk at least 10,000 steps a day. You don't have to join Curves or any other gym, though. Walking is one of the best exercises there is, and you already have the most important piece of equipment you need....your own two feet! So put on your headphones, grab a bottle of water and start walking! Try to move at a quick pace, like you're late for an appointment, NOT like you're taking your time window shopping! Pump your arms as you walk to really get your heart rate up. And most importantly, ALWAYS check with your doctor before you start any diet or exercise program.
~Diet Column by Phyllis~
This week I'd like to talk about finding a diet that works for you. There are tons of diets out there, from Atkins to Weight Watchers, but which one is best? The answer is not the same for everyone. What works for me might not work for you. The diet that I'm on is one that involves counting calories and keeping a food journal. I allow myself 1500 calories a day and I keep track of my calorie count in my food journal. I have also chosen to no longer eat meat or animal products. But you don't have to be a vegan to lose weight! I suggest you check out several different diets before deciding on which one is for you. If you can't live without bread and pasta, then don't even try to go on a low carb diet like Atkins, because chances are you won't be able to stick with it. If you don't have time to go to meetings, then Weight Watchers probably isn't the diet for you either. The best diet is one that matches your personal preferences. If you force yourself into a diet plan that is not right for you, you will only end up disappointed and discouraged because you probably won't be able to stick to it.
Another point I'd like to make is that along with your diet, you also need to exercise regularly. Again, you need to choose an exercise program that you can stick with. For me, its Curves. I workout there 5 times a week, plus I also wear a pedometer and try to walk at least 10,000 steps a day. You don't have to join Curves or any other gym, though. Walking is one of the best exercises there is, and you already have the most important piece of equipment you need....your own two feet! So put on your headphones, grab a bottle of water and start walking! Try to move at a quick pace, like you're late for an appointment, NOT like you're taking your time window shopping! Pump your arms as you walk to really get your heart rate up. And most importantly, ALWAYS check with your doctor before you start any diet or exercise program.
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Phyllis sent in this recipe to share:
Tastes like lasagna, but not quite as much work. This pie goes good with garlic bread and a salad...
Spaghetti Pie
Ingredients;
4 oz spaghetti noodles
1 beaten egg
another beaten egg
1/3 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1 tbsp margarine or butter
1 cup cottage cheese
1/2 lb ground beef
1/2 cup chopped onion
1/4 cup chopped green pepper
3/4 cup spaghetti sauce
1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
Preheat oven to 350.
Cook spaghetti noodles according to directions on the package. Drain well. Combine one egg, Parmesan cheese and margarine. Stir in hot spaghetti until blended together. Press mixture evenly into bottom and up sides of a pie pan. Drain cottage cheese then combine it with 1 egg. Spread over spaghetti noodle crust. Set aside.
Phyllis sent in this recipe to share:
Tastes like lasagna, but not quite as much work. This pie goes good with garlic bread and a salad...
Spaghetti Pie
Ingredients;
4 oz spaghetti noodles
1 beaten egg
another beaten egg
1/3 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1 tbsp margarine or butter
1 cup cottage cheese
1/2 lb ground beef
1/2 cup chopped onion
1/4 cup chopped green pepper
3/4 cup spaghetti sauce
1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
Preheat oven to 350.
Cook spaghetti noodles according to directions on the package. Drain well. Combine one egg, Parmesan cheese and margarine. Stir in hot spaghetti until blended together. Press mixture evenly into bottom and up sides of a pie pan. Drain cottage cheese then combine it with 1 egg. Spread over spaghetti noodle crust. Set aside.
In a large frying pan, cook meat, onion and green pepper until meat is browned. Drain fat. Stir in spaghetti sauce. Heat through. Spoon over cottage cheese mixture. Bake for 20 minutes. Sprinkle with mozzarella cheese and bake for 5 minutes or until cheese melts. Let stand 5 minutes. Cut into wedges like a pie to serve.
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John and I have been using powdered milk exclusively for 8 years now. In our area it is cheaper than jug milk and with it being no fat it is more healthy. I do realize the majority of people don't like powdered milk for drinking. But an idea maybe you've not thought of is to use it to replace creamers for coffee and tea. It's much cheaper and way more healthy by not having any hydrogenated oils plus you get potassium, protein, Vitamin A & D and calcium.
John and I have been using powdered milk exclusively for 8 years now. In our area it is cheaper than jug milk and with it being no fat it is more healthy. I do realize the majority of people don't like powdered milk for drinking. But an idea maybe you've not thought of is to use it to replace creamers for coffee and tea. It's much cheaper and way more healthy by not having any hydrogenated oils plus you get potassium, protein, Vitamin A & D and calcium.
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Here is a lovely cake recipe sent in by Izzie:
I'm sending along a cake recipe that is so good at this time of year when you can get wonderful apples. Every time I make this someone asks for the recipe.
Dutch Apple Cake
1/2 lb. butter
2 c. sugar
2 eggs
1 tsp. vanilla
2 c. flour
1 tsp. cinnamon
1 tsp. baking soda
Dash of salt
4 c. diced apples (I prefer Rome or Cortland)
1 c. ch. walnuts
Blend together the butter, sugar, eggs, and vanilla in mixer.
Blend together the flour, cinnamon, baking soda and salt, and then gradually mix into the butter mixture. Stir in the apples and walnuts. Batter will be very stiff...you'll have to spread it into the 13x9 inch greased and floured pan. Bake at 350 for 50 to 60 minutes.
Cream Cheese Icing:
1 stick softened (not melted) butter
8 oz. softened cream cheese
1 tsp. vanilla
Dash of milk (about 2-3 tsps.)
confectioner's sugar (approx. 2 1/2 to 3 cups, till frosting is
spreading consistency
Mix all ingreadients thoroughly in mixer. Frost cake while it is still warm (let cool about 20 minutes when it comes out of the oven.)
Here is a lovely cake recipe sent in by Izzie:
I'm sending along a cake recipe that is so good at this time of year when you can get wonderful apples. Every time I make this someone asks for the recipe.
Dutch Apple Cake
1/2 lb. butter
2 c. sugar
2 eggs
1 tsp. vanilla
2 c. flour
1 tsp. cinnamon
1 tsp. baking soda
Dash of salt
4 c. diced apples (I prefer Rome or Cortland)
1 c. ch. walnuts
Blend together the butter, sugar, eggs, and vanilla in mixer.
Blend together the flour, cinnamon, baking soda and salt, and then gradually mix into the butter mixture. Stir in the apples and walnuts. Batter will be very stiff...you'll have to spread it into the 13x9 inch greased and floured pan. Bake at 350 for 50 to 60 minutes.
Cream Cheese Icing:
1 stick softened (not melted) butter
8 oz. softened cream cheese
1 tsp. vanilla
Dash of milk (about 2-3 tsps.)
confectioner's sugar (approx. 2 1/2 to 3 cups, till frosting is
spreading consistency
Mix all ingreadients thoroughly in mixer. Frost cake while it is still warm (let cool about 20 minutes when it comes out of the oven.)
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On October 17, 2008, in Morgantown, West Virginia, the Postal Service™ will issue a 42–cent Alzheimer’s commemorative stamp.Art Director and Designer Ethel Kessler of Bethesda, Maryland, worked with illustrator Matt Mahurin to draw attention to the importance of the caregiver for those who have Alzheimer’s disease. “For the person with Alzheimer’s,” Kessler says, “that interaction with the caregiver means everything.” Three words — care, support, research — appear in the selvage in the upper right corner of the stamp sheet.
On October 17, 2008, in Morgantown, West Virginia, the Postal Service™ will issue a 42–cent Alzheimer’s commemorative stamp.Art Director and Designer Ethel Kessler of Bethesda, Maryland, worked with illustrator Matt Mahurin to draw attention to the importance of the caregiver for those who have Alzheimer’s disease. “For the person with Alzheimer’s,” Kessler says, “that interaction with the caregiver means everything.” Three words — care, support, research — appear in the selvage in the upper right corner of the stamp sheet.
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Never park your car over a pile of leaves!
The muffler and catalytic converter on cars get extremely hotand can ignite the leaves you park your car over -causing your car to catch fire!
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If you work outside the home and would like to make a few points with the boss, don't forget:
Boss's Day (National, US) - Always observed on October 16th.
If you work outside the home and would like to make a few points with the boss, don't forget:
Boss's Day (National, US) - Always observed on October 16th.
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My book recommendation this week is The Christmas Shoes by Donna VanLiere. You may have seen the movie with Rob Lowe and Kimberly Williams-Paisley. If not, here's what the book is about:
The Christmas Shoes
Sometimes, the things that can change your life will cross your path in one instant-and then, in a fleeting moment, they're gone. But if you open your eyes, and watch carefully, you will believe...
Robert is a successful attorney who has everything in life-and nothing at all. Focused on professional achievement and material rewards, Robert is on the brink of losing his marriage. He has lost sight of his wife, Kate, their two daughters, and ultimately himself.
Eight year old Nathan has a beloved mother, Maggie, whom he is losing to cancer. But Nathan and his family are building a simple yet full life, and struggling to hold onto every moment they have together.
A chance meeting on Christmas Even brings Robert and Nathan together-he is shopping for a family he hardly knows and Nathan is shopping for a mother he is soon to lose. In this one encounter, their lives are forever altered as Robert learns an important lesson: sometimes the smallest things can make all the difference.
The Christmas Shoes is a universal story of the deeper meaning of serendipity, a tale of our shared humanity, and of how a power greater than ourselves can shape, and even save, our lives.
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Leaves
Leaves are falling gently
Red and green and brown.
Wind is blowing tree tops
Leaves are falling down,
Down, down,
down.
Leaves
Leaves are falling gently
Red and green and brown.
Wind is blowing tree tops
Leaves are falling down,
Down, down,
down.
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