Life's A Journey

Thanksgiving Time 2020

2020-11-16T12:35:00.002-09:00

This year may be a lot different to most people. Some states are going to locked down. However, you can still have your favorite dishes. Just Skype so you can have other family and friends there to speak with. I realize it may not be the same. We are in a difficult season in the world right now. There's a pandemic, riots, defunding of police and possibly voter fraud regarding the Presidental election. Therefore, still having conversations with other people, either Skype or Portal, is one way to keep your chin up and not be so depressed. Depression right now is on the rise from last year (2019). As for me and my family I will keep the world in my prayers.

Covid-19 Controversy

2020-10-25T16:02:00.003-08:00

2020 is the year of Covid-19. So much turmoil. So many rumors. So many deaths. I myself am not a total believer that Covid-19 is anything more than a new strain of the flu, like the pandemic of the Swine Flu. My husband had the Swine Flu and nearly died since he has Asthma. I personally have an insight through my Sister in CA who is a Nurse. So I believe that Covid is a new strain of flu, just worse than Swine Flu. All those deaths are not truly a result of Covid. Hospitals are getting extra money for marking deaths from other illnesses as Covid. Other hospital deaths are on the low side then they normally are so this supports that theory. It's normal for people to die in Nursing Homes. If a pandemic of the flu is introduced it would easily affect many of the residents even causing more deaths. To wear a mask or not wear a mask? I believe this is personal choice. I reside in the Commonwealth of Virginia and many people don't like being told to wear a mask. Mostly because it treads upon their rights. So it's like a mix of 50/50. However, employees are required in every establishment, if not they lose their jobs which I view as unfair. I often see older people wearing masks. I wear one because I hated getting the Swine Flu and don't want to get a stronger strain of the flu and miss going on outings with family. I also have a compromised immune system so it makes sense for me to wear one. There have been times I have forgotten. I don't get all stressed out and Lysol everything. Only once in a while do I even use hand sanitizer when leaving a place. However, if you feel safer always wearing a mask and using tons of Lysol then so be it. Each person has their personal beliefs and choices. This piece, I feel, is going to gander alot of criticism. Let's see who's reading my blog.

Give your water some personality!

2019-07-26T08:45:00.001-08:00

Give your water some personality!

Bad Dog Foods being pulled

2019-02-19T10:42:00.003-09:00

Dog foods pulled from shelves nationwide after ABC7 investigation finds euthanasia drug

WASHINGTON (ABC7) — Retailers pulled at least 31 varieties of dog food off the shelves nationwide after a months-long investigation found the euthanasia drug, pentobarbital.

After releasing the results of lab tests that identified the drug, the FDA launched an investigation. And now, just days later, Smucker’s, the owner of almost all the brands in question, announcing a voluntary withdrawal. It includes products in the Gravy Train, Kibbles ‘N Bits, Skippy and Ol’ Roy lines of canned food.

Retailers, including the nation's largest, Walmart, removed it from all 4,700 stores.

For seven months, we investigated what's in dog food. Analytical labs conducted hundreds of tests across dozens of brands.

"Consumers, they're tired of their pets dying. They're tired of being worried and this needs to change," said Susan Thixton, who’s been researching and writing about the pet food industry for years.

Thixton says based on current labeling standards, it's impossible for consumers to know what they're really feeding their pets.

“They have no information,” said Thixton. “A consumer has to become a private detective to learn what's really in their food."

Among our tests were 15 cans of Gravy Train, made by Big Heart Brands, owned by Smucker’s.

Nine cans, 60 percent of the sample, repeatedly tested positive for the euthanasia drug, pentobarbital.

And while the levels detected were not lethal, under federal law it is not permitted at any level, and never allowed to be used on animals intended for food.

"Where did it come from?” asked Dr Nicholas Dodman, veterinarian and former Director of the Tufts University Animal Behavior Program. “If they don't like the explanation that it's coming from animals that have been euthanized, what is their explanation as to how it gets in there?"

Smucker’s posted on its website that it does not use pets in its food.

The company would not answer any of the questions we provided to them, including how is pentobarbital getting into their supply chain?

In our tests, only Gravy Train came back positive for pentobarbital. Smuckers has not explained why it has expanded the number of brands being pulled from shelves, but it’s possible that the brands share a supplier.

We also asked Smucker’s about that today, but did not receive a response.

The following products should not be fed to pets, but returned to the place of purchase for a full refund.

The way to identify product is to look at the product name/description and UPC codes below:

Item Name UPC Item Code(s)

Gravy Train 13.2 oz. with T-Bone Flavor Chunks 7910052541 Gravy Train 13.2 oz. with Beef Strips 7910052542 Gravy Train 13.2 oz. with Lamb and Rice Chunks 7910052543 Gravy Train 22 oz. with Chicken Chunks 7910051645 Gravy Train 22 oz. with Beef Chunks 7910051647 Gravy Train 13.2 oz. with Beef Chunks 7910034417 Gravy Train 13.2 oz. with Chicken Chunks 7910034418 Gravy Train 13.2 oz. Chunks in Gravy Stew 7910051933 Gravy Train 13.2 oz. Chicken, Beef & Liver Medley 7910051934 Gravy Train 13.2 oz. Chunks in Gravy with Beef Chunks 7910034417
Kibbles ‘
N Bits 13.2 oz. Burger Bacon Cheese and Turkey Bacon Vegetable Variety 12-Pack 7910010377 7910010378
Kibbles ‘N Bits 13.2 oz. Beef, Chicken,
Vegetable, Meatball Pasta and Turkey Bacon Vegetable Var. Pack 7910010382 7910048367 7910010378
Kibbles ‘N Bits 13.2 oz. Beef, Chicken,
Vegetable, Burger Bacon Cheese and Beef Vegetable Variety Pack 7910010380 7910010377 7910010375
Kibbles ‘N Bits 13.2 oz. Wet Variety Pack
7910010375 7910048367
Kibbles ‘N Bits 13.2 oz. Wet Variety Pack
7910010375 7910048367
Kibbles ‘N Bits 13.2 oz. Chef’s Choice Bistro
Tender Cuts with Real Beef & Vegetable in Gravy 7910010375
Kibbles ‘N Bits 13.2 oz. Chef’s Choice Bistro
Tender Cuts with Real Beef & Vegetable in Gravy 7910010375
Kibbles ‘N Bits Chef’s Choice Bistro Tender
Cuts with Real Turkey, Bacon & Vegetable in Gravy 7910010378
Kibbles ‘N Bits Chef’s Choice Bistro Tender
Cuts with Real Turkey, Bacon & Vegetable in Gravy 7910010378
Kibbles ‘N Bits Chef’s Choice Homestyle
Tender Slices with Real Beef, Chicken & Vegetables in Gravy 7910010380
Kibbles ‘N Bits Chef’s Choice Homestyle
Tender Slices with Real Beef, Chicken & Vegetables in Gravy 7910010380 Skippy 13.2 oz. Premium Select Cuts in Gravy with Beef & Bone Marrow 7910071860

4 Stages of Self-Love

2019-02-10T08:56:00.001-09:00

Great Advice, you must actually love yourself before you can truly love others. Therefore, this article is about how to love yourself and has great advice.

While it’s easy to treat yourself to a spa day or binge on your favorite dessert, self-love requires time and effort. This includes reflecting on both the negative and positive in your life. You have to be open to looking at yourself with an honest and kind eye. By proactively engaging in self-love, you are building yourself up for happiness and a future that you deserve. Use these four steps below to aid you along your self-love journey.

Stage 1: Define Your Struggles & Let Yourself Heal

Before starting this step, you must allow yourself to feel vulnerable. Now identify the areas that you sometimes struggle with in life. Stay true and transparent with yourself to find out where your wounds are. Only then, will you be able to start to heal. Forgive yourself for any shortcomings and make actionable goals to improve your life. Part of doing this involves recognizing how you sabotage yourself.
Think about the last time you hurt yourself with your own self-critical words. Write down everything that happened. This technique is called mind mapping and it will help you see where your negative thoughts are coming from.

Stage 2: Stand Up to Your Negative Inner Voice

Practice mindfulness when negativity arises. When you challenge your negative inner voice, you look for the root of hurtful thoughts. Find out what you need when these scenarios arise. Is the negativity a cover for something that you want in your life? Let go of the thoughts that hinder your self-love.
You might be surprised at the words you use to bring yourself down. If a close friend talked to you in the same way you talk to yourself, you probably wouldn’t have that friend for long. Learn how to encourage yourself from the perspective of a close friend.

Stage 3: Make Your Self-Love Routine

Uncover positive ways to motivate yourself for your own improvement. Learn how to shift your mindset to focus on things you love and put yourself first. Keep track of your progress by journaling so that you can learn how to maintain or even accelerate your growth.
One thing to help you shift your mindset is to say positive affirmations about yourself aloud. It may feel strange to you at first but it is a useful and powerful tool to use when practicing self-love.

Stage 4: Lean on Loved Ones

While you keep track of your self-improvement progress, strengthen relationships with your loved ones who support you. Let people in on the goals you are trying to achieve. Not only will you build a support system but you may inspire others to embark on a self-love journey. Encouragement goes a long way and it goes both ways. Self-love is a journey, not a destination!

Come up with ways to communicate better with your loved ones. If you’re feeling down, say what’s on your mind. Let people know if you want to be alone. Sometimes all it takes is a little bit of personal time to re-energize yourself.

In summary, taking small daily steps will set you on the right path of the overarching journey. So don’t feel rushed and take it at your own pace. Self-love isn’t about treating yourself materially, but it doesn’t hurt to reward yourself throughout the process.

Jessica SantosAuthor Bio

Jessica is a content marketer for ProFlowers with a passion for writing and storytelling.

Pedestrian Crossing Street Makes Sure to Look at the Approaching Driver

2019-02-07T09:20:00.001-09:00

Wow read this and decided to share. At the end you will be baffled.

CHICAGO—Stepping off the curb and into the crosswalk, local man Adam Hartsell reportedly made sure to look up at the driver of an approaching vehicle Thursday to ensure they would feel extra guilty in the event they failed to stop and ran him over. “The goal of this split-second eye contact is to impress my image upon their mind, so that if they do hit me, they will be forced to spend the rest of their days picturing the terrified face of the person they ran over in his last moments of life,” said the 26-year-old pedestrian, who emphasized the importance of not only locking eyes with each and every oncoming driver, but also delivering a hard stare that conveys a stern moral appraisal of any who would not brake their vehicle in time. “In this way, I will be able to haunt their dreams long after they’ve struck and killed me. If I have enough time, I also make sure to look any passengers dead in the eyes, so that they, too, will be hounded for years by debilitating remorse. It’s important to take these small precautions.” At press time, reports confirmed the oncoming driver had looked up from their phone screen and briefly wondered what the muffled noise coming from beneath their car had been.

You Can't Reheat Some Foods Under Any Circumstances

2019-02-06T18:02:00.001-09:00

Frito-Lay Issues Allergy Alert on Chips

2019-02-05T08:27:00.000-09:00

Frito-Lay Issues Voluntary Allergy Alert on Undeclared Milk In Small Number of Stacy's Simply Naked Pita Chips

For Immediate Release
February 4, 2019

Announcement

Frito-Lay announced a limited voluntary recall of a very small number of 7 1/3 oz. bags of Stacy's Simply Naked Pita Chips because they may contain undeclared milk ingredients.

People who have an allergy or severe sensitivity to milk run the risk of a serious or life-threatening allergic reaction if they consume the product contained inside the recalled pita chips bags.

The recalled products are 7 1/3 oz. bags of Stacy's Simply Naked Pita Chips that were distributed nationwide and have both a "Use By" date of 23 APR 2019 and a nine-character manufacturing code of "65M127902" listed below the "Use By" date.

These numbers can be found on the front of the bag along the top right side. In addition, the recalled bags will also have a UPC code of "028400564632" listed on the bottom right side of the back of the bag.

No other Stacy's products or flavors are recalled.

The recall was initiated after it was discovered that 228 bags of Stacy's Simply Naked Pita Chips were inadvertently filled with another flavor of pita chips, potentially exposing consumers to undeclared milk.

One consumer allergic reaction related to this matter has been reported to date.

Frito-Lay has informed the FDA of our actions.

Consumers with the product noted above can return the product to a retailer for a refund or contact Frito-Lay Consumer Relations at 1-800-352-4477 (9 a.m. - 4:30 p.m. CST, Monday-Friday).

Retail Recall of Ibuprofen Oral Suspension Drops for infants

2019-01-31T13:46:00.001-09:00

Please check on this at once as this effects your babies and children:

Nationwide Retail Recall of Ibuprofen Oral Suspension Drops, USP, 50 mg per 1.25 mL, Due to Higher Concentration of Ibuprofen.

Monmouth Junction, NJ, Tris Pharma, Inc. is expanding the scope of its November 2018 recall by adding three (3) additional lots of Ibuprofen Oral Suspension Drops, USP, 50 mg per 1.25 mL, to the retail (pharmacy) level. Some units from these batches have been found to have higher levels of Ibuprofen concentration.

Infants already susceptible to the adverse effects of ibuprofen may be at a slightly higher risk if they receive medication from an impacted bottle. There is a remote probability that infants, who may be more susceptible to a higher potency level of drug, may be more vulnerable to permanent NSAID-associated renal injury. Some units from these six (6) lots have been found to contain Ibuprofen as high as 10% above the specified limit. Studies have shown that safety issues or toxicity is generally accepted to be a concern in infants at doses in excess of 700% of the recommended dose.1 To date, no serious adverse events have been reported related to this recall.

The product is used as a pain reliever/fever reducer and is packaged in ? oz. and 1 oz. bottles. This voluntarily recall includes the six (6) lots listed below:

Lot No. NDC EXPIRATION DESCRIPTION COMPANY
4718 59779-925-23 12/19 CVS Health: Infants' Ibuprofen Concentrated Oral Suspension, USP, 50 mg per 1.25 mL, in 0.5 oz. bottle CVS Pharmacy
00717005A 49035-125-24 02/19 Equate: Infants' Ibuprofen Concentrated Oral Suspension, USP, 50 mg per 1.25 mL, in 1.0 oz. bottle Wal-Mart Stores Inc.
00717006A 59779-925-24

(Labeled as: 50428-1252-4)

02/19 CVS Health: Infants' Ibuprofen Concentrated Oral Suspension, USP, 50 mg per 1.25 mL, in 1.0 oz. bottle CVS Pharmacy
00717009A
(Previously announced) 49035-125-23 02/19 Equate: Ibuprofen Oral Suspension Drops, USP, 50 mg per 1.25 ml, in 0.5 oz. bottle Wal-Mart Stores Inc
00717015A
(Previously announced) 49035-125-23 04/19 Equate: Ibuprofen Oral Suspension Drops, USP, 50 mg per 1.25 ml, in 0.5 oz. bottle Wal-Mart Stores Inc
00717024A
(Previously announced) 49035-125-23 08/19 Equate: Ibuprofen Oral Suspension Drops, USP, 50 mg per 1.25 ml, in 0.5 oz. bottle Wal-Mart Stores Inc
59779-925-23 CVS Health: Ibuprofen Oral Suspension Drops,
USP, 50 mg per 1.25 ml, in 0.5 oz. bottle CVS Pharmacy
55319-250-23 Family Wellness: Ibuprofen Oral Suspension Drops,
USP, 50 mg per 1.25 ml, in 0.5 oz. bottle Family Dollar Services Inc.
Tris Pharma, Inc. manufactures Ibuprofen Oral Suspension Drops, USP for a single customer, who markets and distributes the product to retailers. The retailers should stop further distribution of the affected lots, which are being recalled. Tris Pharma, Inc. has notified its customer by urgent recall notice and has arranged for the return of recalled products from retailers and distributors.

Consumers with questions regarding this recall may contact Tris Customer Service by 732-940-0358 (Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM ET- 5:00 PM PT) or via email at micc_tris@vigilarebp.com. Consumers, who may be concerned, should contact their physician or healthcare provider if they have experienced any problems that may be related to taking or using this drug product.

Adverse reactions or quality problems experienced with the use of this product may be reported to the FDA's MedWatch Adverse Event Reporting program either online, by regular mail or by fax.

Complete and submit the report Online: www.fda.gov/medwatch/report.htm
Regular Mail or Fax: Download form www.fda.gov/MedWatch/getforms.htm or call 1-800-332-1088 to request a reporting form, then complete and return to the address on the pre-addressed form, or submit by fax to 1-800-FDA-0178
This recall is being conducted with the knowledge of the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA). The FDA has approved a class II retail level recall for this recall.

Tyson Foods, Inc. Recalls Chicken Nugget

2019-01-31T13:41:00.001-09:00

Tyson Foods, Inc. Recalls Chicken Nugget Products due to Possible Foreign Matter Contamination
Class I Recall 009-2019
Health Risk: High

WASHINGTON, Jan. 29, 2019 - Tyson Foods, Inc., a Sedalia, Mo. establishment, is recalling approximately 36,420 pounds of chicken nugget products that may be contaminated with extraneous materials, specifically rubber, the U.S. Department of Agriculture's Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) announced today.

The panko chicken nugget items were produced on Nov. 26, 2018. The following products are subject to recall:

5-lb. plastic packages of "Tyson WHITE MEAT PANKO CHICKEN NUGGETS" with a "BEST IF USED BY" date of "NOV 26 2019," case code "3308SDL03" and time stamps 23:00 through 01:59 (inclusive).
The products subject to recall bear establishment number "P-13556" inside the USDA mark of inspection. These items were shipped to retail locations nationwide.

The problem was discovered when the establishment received consumer complaints of extraneous material in purchased Panko Chicken Nugget products. FSIS was notified on Jan. 29, 2019.

There have been no confirmed reports of adverse reactions due to consumption of these products. Anyone concerned about an injury or illness should contact a healthcare provider.

FSIS is concerned that some product may be frozen and in consumers' freezers. Consumers who have purchased these products are urged not to consume them.

These products should be thrown away or returned to the place of purchase.

FSIS routinely conducts recall effectiveness checks to verify recalling firms notify their customers of the recall and that steps are taken to make certain that the product is no longer available to consumers. When available, the retail distribution list(s) will be posted on the FSIS website at www.fsis.usda.gov/recalls.

Consumers with questions about the recall can contact Tyson Consumer Relations at 1-888-747-7611.

If You See a Bottle on Your Tire, Don't Touch It And Call the Police!

2019-01-28T09:32:00.001-09:00

Mansions NO ONE Wants To Buy For Any Price

2019-01-28T08:24:00.001-09:00

60 ways to use Vinegar

2019-01-27T10:46:00.000-09:00

I love getting Vinegar tips because vinegar is such a versatile product. You can clean with it, make your own salad dressing for dieters, it's also good for helping those with constipation.

Vinegar tips for daily living:

1)There’s nothing worse than spilling your coffee or tea on yourself! Before just throwing out your stained outfit, dab the stain with white distilled vinegar and wash normally. For best results, rinse the stain with hot or boiling water before it sets, if fabric can withstand heat.

2)Don’t you hate getting oil or grease marks on your clothes? Just sprinkle baking soda on the stain to absorb any loose oil or grease. Then, soak it in white distilled vinegar and scrub with dish soap before washing as normal. Ta-da!

3)Tomato sauce spot? No problem. All you have to do is pour white distilled vinegar directly onto the stain, then wash immediately. It’ll be like new!

4)Pro-tip: treat stains from the back of the fabric to avoid pushing the stain deeper into the fabric. Use a soft nail brush or toothbrush to scrub stain if needed.

5)Did you know that you’re supposed to treat a stain as soon as possible? If you can’t work on it immediately, try to keep it damp with water or club soda if you can.

6)Make sure that you don’t dry a garment until the stain is gone! Dryer heat will set the stain permanently.

7)Don’t wait until spring to start cleaning! Create your own window cleaner by mixing equal parts white distilled vinegar and water. Then just soak a sponge in the mixture and wipe your windows. I actually use newspaper instead of a sponge and it
is streak-free.

8)Time to get things done! Get a fresher brew of coffee by using white distilled vinegar to clean automatic coffee makers. Dissolve mineral and oil build-up by filling the water reservoir with white distilled vinegar and run the coffee maker through a brewing cycle. Empty the reservoir and then, to rinse out any remaining vinegar, run a full reservoir of water through the brewing cycle. This one I already new so it wasn't new to me.

9)Did someone forget to place the microwave cover on their lunch? Clean your microwave by boiling a ¼ cup of white distilled vinegar and 1 cup of water in the microwave until steam forms on the window. Wipe away food residue with a damp cloth.

10)For dishes and glasses clean all year long, add 1 ½ cups of white distilled vinegar to the bottom of your dishwasher. Run a regular cycle using the usual amount of detergent and watch your clean slates come out.

11)Did the kids draw on the couch again? Use full strength vinegar to remove ballpoint pen marks on cloth furniture. Blot the area gently until the marks are gone.

12) Deodorize the toilet bowl quickly by adding 3 cups of white distilled vinegar to the bowl. Let sit for half an hour before flushing.

13)Remove build-up on your bathroom shower head. Pour ½ cup of baking soda and 1 cup of white distilled vinegar into a sandwich bag and tie the bag around the showerhead. Let the mixture set for an hour or until the bubbling has stopped. Remove the bag and turn on water for best results.

14)Have a sore throat? Gargling a mixture of warm water and a spoonful of organic apple cider vinegar may help soothe throat pain.

15)Take 1 tbsp of organic apple cider vinegar 3 times a day by mouth; it may help ease some sinus aches and pains.

16)I have also used it to take Kool-aid stains off of countertops. To do so you put some baking soda on the stain then add white distilled vinegar to it. It will fizz a bit. Go back in 5 minutes with a wet rag or sponge and wipe it away-- Kool-aid stain gone. I used this trick all the time my kids were teens and making their own Kool-Aid.

17)Easily detangle kids’ hair with a quick splash of apple cider vinegar during the final rinse.

18) I have used vinegar to unstop a toilet. You boil water barely to the boiling point as you don't want to crack your toilet. Then add white distilled vinegar and close the lid. In 15 minutes go back and flush the toilet. Sometimes if the clog is a big one you may have to repeat it.

19)If your tea kettle isn’t shining like it used to, spritz the outside with apple cider vinegar. To finish, wipe it with a cloth covered in baking soda along the grain.

20)For the perfect pie crust, add 1 teaspoon of apple cider vinegar to the mix.

21)Stained refrigerators aren’t inviting for even the least popular veggies. Make it shine like new after soaking problem areas, like drawers and shelves, in undiluted white distilled vinegar.

22)For sparkling silverware, soak in a sink full of vinegar.

23)Refresh sponges and dish clothes by soaking in enough water to cover them and add 1/4 cup of white distilled vinegar. Let sit overnight.

24)Prep plastic food storage containers for ample leftovers. To clean stained or smelly containers, wipe them with a cloth dampened with white distilled vinegar.

25)Spray cutting boards with undiluted vinegar to remove surface residue.

26)A basic baking soda and vinegar mix can remove a greasy mess around the stove. Apply it in paste form, allow it to sit and then wipe down.

27)ALLEVIATE THE LITTER
Remove cat litter odor by pouring ½ inch of white distilled vinegar in the empty litter box. Let it stand for 20 minutes, swish it around, then rinse with cold water.

28)LISTEN, DON’T TOUCH! Keep a dog from scratching its ears by wiping them out regularly with a soft cloth dipped in undiluted white distilled vinegar.

29)Remove skunk odors from your pet by wiping down your pet with a 50-50 solution of white distilled vinegar and water, followed by a plain-water rinse. Repeat if necessary.

30)Some carpet stains can be removed with a paste of 2 tablespoons white distilled vinegar and 1/4 cup salt or baking soda. Rub into the carpet stain and let dry. Vacuum up the residue the next day. (Always test on an out-of-sight part of the carpet first).

31)Avoid skin problems after working in the garden by rinsing your hands in white distilled vinegar.

32)For your Garden: Increase the acidity of soil by adding white distilled vinegar to your watering can.

33)Clean a hummingbird feeder with white distilled vinegar. Soap or detergent can leave behind a residue.

34)Remove berry stains on your hands by rubbing them with white distilled vinegar.

35)Get rid of the water line in a flower vase by filling it with a solution of half water and half white distilled vinegar, or by soaking a paper towel in white distilled vinegar and stuffing it into the vase so that it is in contact with the water line.

36)Rid your lawn mower of leftover grass and buildup by wiping down with a cloth dipped in white distilled vinegar. Make sure your lawn mower is off before cleaning.

37)Hide scratches in old furniture by applying a mixture of apple cider vinegar and iodine.

38)Stained suede shoes look like new after they are wiped down with a mixture of water and white distilled vinegar.

39)Brighten up listless leather with a touch of white distilled vinegar!

40)Preserve garlic by peeling and then placing in a jar filled with vinegar.

41)Add some zip to your morning tomato juice with a shot of apple cider vinegar.

42)Freshen wilted vegetables by soaking them in cold water containing a spoonful or two of white distilled vinegar.

43)Extend the life of your ketchup. When the ketchup sticks in the bottom of a nearly empty bottle, pour in a touch of white vinegar and shake it up. It will loosen the ketchup and won’t interfere with the flavor.

44)If you’ve added too much salt to a recipe, add a spoonful of white distilled vinegar and sugar to try correcting the taste.

45)To make basic vinaigrette salad dressing use 1 part white distilled vinegar to 4 parts oil.

46)Drinking apple cider vinegar can aid in detoxifying your body. With this one I put a tablespoon into a cup of water and drink it.

47)Two tablespoons of apple cider vinegar before bed may help lower glucose levels in people with type-2 diabetes.

48)Try a teaspoon of apple cider vinegar as a cure for hiccups. I have never tried this because I save pickle juice and ingest a few sips. Works for us every time.

49)Try treating acid reflux by taking one to two teaspoons of apple cider vinegar daily. Most people mistakenly believe that acid reflux is cause by an overproduction of acid, but it’s actually the opposite for many people, as in too little acid.

50)Clean your toothbrush by letting it soak in a solution of vinegar, water, and baking soda for 30 minutes.

51)Dabbing apple cider vinegar on a bee sting may help reduce the pain and inflammation.

52)To reduce underarm sweat, apply apple cider vinegar under your arms with a sponge, let dry, then apply your deodorant.

53)Soothe chapped skin with a mixture of organic apple cider vinegar, water, and olive oil.

54)Adding two tablespoons of organic apple cider vinegar to a 12oz glass of water can aid in weight loss. This has worked for me.

55)Eliminate bad breath and whiten your teeth by brushing once or twice a week with white distilled vinegar.

56)When finished cooking with fish or onions, place a small bowl with 1/4 cup of apple cider vinegar near the stove to eliminate any leftover smells.

57)Walls: Painted walls can be difficult to clean, but vinegar is a simple solution. Mix 1/4 cup vinegar with 1-quart warm water to create a gentle and effective cleaner. Walls painted with oil-based paint are easy to clean with vinegar. Dampen a rag with vinegar and wipe walls tops to bottom.

58)Stain wood using only white distilled vinegar and steel wool

59)To make the perfect picnic potato salad dressing combine 1 cup mayonnaise, 3 tablespoons white distilled vinegar, 1 tablespoon sugar, and 1/2 teaspoon salt.

60)To keep eggs from cracking when boiling add a tablespoon or two of white distilled vinegar to water.

Lyrics I wrote about how I feel about my Fibromyalgia

2019-01-25T20:04:00.000-09:00

I Wish I was that Woman
by Pamel Welsh-Starr 1/25/2019
dedicated to all those who endure
Fibromyalgia and Chronic pain

I wish I was that woman
That I used to know
The one without pain
Run over like a train.

I wish I was that woman
That I used to know
She would always listen
To other's pains and woes.

If only I could be
That woman for a weekend
That woman once again
Who doesn't know this pain.

I wish I was that woman
That I used to know
The one without pain
Run over like a train.

I wish I was that woman
The one I used to know
Without this life of pain
That's hard to explain.

I wish I was that woman
The one I used to know
I wish I was that woman....

Government Shutdown Ends

2019-01-25T12:23:00.000-09:00

The longest Government Shutdown comes to a close. Thirty-five day long shutdown is longest in history.

President Trump and Congress are still in a stalemate over the cost of the Wall to protect our borders. For me the wall would mean that the Citizens of the USA could have jobs, that have been taken by illegal immigrants, and benefits that those immigrants have been getting that our countrymen need and have been denied.

This comes just in time for filing of the tax season. President Trump told the American people that those owed refunds will be paid normally without any consequences of delay.

The Handmaid's Tale

2019-01-24T15:24:00.001-09:00

I really wasn't sure they would be having another season after what happened at the end of Season 2. If you haven't seen this show it is about a futuristic way that mankind must re-populate the States. There is different caste systems in place. Most of the higher ups are in charge of the country yet the women they are married to can not conceive. Therefore, they must capture other women who have children. They take the children away from them and put them all together in a place unknown to the Mothers.

Then the women that can pro-create actually go through a re-programming. They are then taken to the Government personel's homes as a lower caste person known as the Handmaid. Then when they are in their cycle to get pregnant the Master and his wife take them into the bedroom. The wife lies in bed with the handmaid on top of her and her husband does his thing with the Handmaid. I wasn't sure I was going to like this show due to this part. However, I kept watching.

The drama of the Handmaid's having to go through a pregnancy and the Woman of the house having a baby shower without the Handmaid is rather odd but it is to be realized that the Handmaids are nothing but a means to have a child similar to surrogates that are used today but not treated as nicely. After giving birth some of them breast feed and want to keep their baby as Maternal instincts kick in. Some suffer horribly and some are sent away to another home to give another General a chance for his wife to have a baby to love. Some of the Handmaid's try to escape and are terribly treated and sometimes scarred or their tongue is severed. Some are sent to the mines if they can not re-program the handmaid.

Many handmaids try to escape to get back to their husbands if they weren't killed when the women and children are captured. The handmaids go shopping with another handmaid. The must keep their eyes downcast and greet one another with the phrase "Praise Be" or they talk about the weather. There are guards everywhere and if they hear of a handmaid talking about her life before or about escaping they take them captive.

Lesser women who are in the lower caste yet can't bear children are used as maids and cooks. The ones unsuitable for these jobs or they are disobedient are sent to the mines where many die of diseases while working there.

So for those of you that are familiar with The Handmaid's Tale I want you to know Season 3 is now being filmed for this Spring. This is an Original Hulu series.

ABC's Shows being Cancelled

2019-01-24T14:43:00.001-09:00

The following shows are not going to be returning this Fall:

1) Deception, a crime procedural about a magician (Jack Cutmore-Scott) that’s only nine episodes into its freshman run.

2) Alex, Inc., a sitcom about a startup that’s also been on for only nine episodes.

3) The Crossing, an acclaimed allegorical sci-fi drama series that’s only aired six episodes.

4) Kevin (Probably) Saves the World, a high-concept comedy about a man (Jason Ritter) performing good deeds that aired 16 episodes and had its finale in March.

5) The Mayor, a well-reviewed comedy starring Brandon Michael Hall as an aspiring rapper who unintentionally becomes mayor of a small town. The show aired 13 episodes before it was pulled from the schedule in January.

6) Marvel’s Inhumans, which was a high-profile attempt to launch a new comic book event series, but it struggled mightily on Friday nights last fall.

7) Ten Days in the Valley, which returned Kyra Sedgwick to TV for a close-ended thriller.

The New Cannabis Bill is H.R. 420

2019-01-17T20:15:00.000-09:00

What You Need To Know About H.R. 420 & The New Congressional Cannabis Caucus

A new congressional bill that would regulate cannabis like alcohol

2019 is clearly starting off strong for the cannabis industry.

Just this Wednesday, Rep. Earl Blumenauer (D-OR) announced that a new congressional bill, ironically called the H.R. 420 or the Regulate Marijuana Like Alcohol Act, would eliminate cannabis from the Controlled Substances Act. This is a big piece of legislation, one that we are all waiting for.

The name of the bill may be a play on stoner culture (420 is a celebrated number for everyone who loves pot; it represents the special celebrations held every April 20), but “the issue is very serious,” says Blumenauer in a press release. “Our federal marijuana laws are outdated, out of touch, and have negatively impacted countless lives,” he says. “Congress cannot continue to be out of touch with a movement that a growing majority of Americans support. It’s time to end this senseless prohibition.”

H.R. 420 also entails a change of hands in authority. The Drug Enforcement Administration would no longer oversee cannabis, but instead it would be regulated by a renamed Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Marijuana, Firearms and Explosives. Meanwhile, it also stipulates that a renamed Alcohol, Tobacco and Marijuana Tax and Trade Bureau, part of the Department of Treasury, would have regulatory oversight together with the Food and Drug Administration. The legislation also prohibits transportation or shipping of cannabis into states that have not legalized the drug.

Blumenauer takes the bill from Rep. Jared Polis (D-CO), whose version was able to acquire 26 cosponsors.

Congressional Cannabis Caucus

On Wednesday as well, Blumenauer announced which lawmakers get a seat in the Congressional Cannabis Caucus, which he co-founded back in 2017 with the intention of reforming the country’s drug laws and support state-legal cannabis. “The Cannabis Caucus was the first of its kind to create a forum for elected officials to collaborate on ways to address our outdated federal marijuana laws,” Blumenauer disclosed in a statement. “Congress is clearly out of step with the American people on cannabis when national support for federal marijuana legalization is at an all-time high and we saw several states move toward legalization last November.”

The caucus notes that 98% of Americans reside in territories or states that legally allow some form of access to cannabis or cannabis derivatives, while a quarter of the population live in states that have legalized recreational cannabis use.

Other co-chairs of the caucus are bipartisan, and come from both recreational and medical cannabis-friendly states. These include Reps. Dave Joyce (R-OH), Barbara Lee (D-CA), and Don Young (R-AK). “Our movement is cresting,” Blumenauer says. “I’m looking forward to working alongside Reps. Lee, Joyce and Young to build on the bipartisan work we’ve done to end the senseless federal prohibition on marijuana once and for all.”

In 2017, Joyce successfully secured language within a spending bill of the Justice Department which would prevent them from interfering with state law implementation that oversee the distribution, cultivation, and consumption of cannabis. He was also responsible for introducing legislation that would guarantee each state the right to best determine their own approach to regulating cannabis within their borders. “I’m proud to join my colleagues in leading the effort to implement responsible, commonsense cannabis policies,” says Joyce. “It is critical that we protect the rights of the states across the country, like Ohio, that have already done so at the state level. The federal government’s interference in this arena has stifled important medical research, interfered with doctors and patients making treatment decisions and harmed state-legal businesses.”

It’s good to note that Lee, who comes from California, is now the first woman of color to ever co-chair the cannabis caucus. She released a statement discussing the importance of ensuring legalization is more inclusive than before. “For far too long, communities of color and women have been left out of the conversation on cannabis. I am committed to ensuring that marijuana reform goes hand-in-hand with criminal justice reform so we can repair some of the harm of the failed War on Drugs,” she explains. “We must also work to build an industry that is equitable and inclusive of the communities most impacted by cannabis prohibition.”

Right on!!!

Toyota Recalls 1.7 Million Vehicles Worldwide over Air Bag Inflators

2019-01-17T14:09:00.000-09:00

By David Shepardson

WASHINGTON (Reuters) - Toyota Motor Corp <7203.T> said Wednesday it is recalling another 1.7 million vehicles worldwide for potentially faulty Takata air bag inflators as part of a multi-year industry recall campaign announced in 2016.

Automakers are adding about 10 million vehicle inflators in the United States to what was already the largest-ever recall campaign in history. Last week, Ford Motor Co said it was recalling 953,000 vehicles worldwide for Takata inflators. Previously, 37 million U.S. vehicles with 50 million inflators were recalled and 16.7 million inflators remain to be replaced.

At least 23 deaths worldwide have been linked to the rupturing of faulty Takata air bag inflators, including 15 in the United States.

Toyota's new recall relates to vehicles from the 2010 through 2015 model years, and includes 1.3 million vehicles in the United States.

More than 290 injuries worldwide have been linked to Takata inflators that could explode, spraying metal shrapnel inside cars and trucks. In total, 19 automakers are recalling more than 100 million potentially faulty inflators worldwide.

To date, 21 deaths have been reported in Honda Motor Co <7267.T> vehicles and two in Ford vehicles. Both automakers have urged some drivers of older vehicles not to drive them until the inflators are replaced.

The defect led Takata to file for bankruptcy protection in June 2017. In April, auto components maker Key Safety Systems completed a $1.6 billion deal to acquire Takata. The merged company, known as Joyson Safety Systems, is a subsidiary of Ningbo Joyson Electronic Corp <600699.SS>.

Automakers in the United States repaired more than 7.2 million defective Takata air bag inflators in 2018 as companies ramped up efforts to track down parts in need of replacement, according to a report released last month.

(Reporting by David Shepardson, Editing by Franklin Paul and Bernadette Baum)

RXBAR Recalls Certain Varieties of Bars Due to a Potential Undeclared Peanut Allergen

2019-01-17T14:03:00.000-09:00

For Immediate Release

RXBAR is voluntarily recalling certain varieties of bars because they may contain undeclared peanuts. People who have peanut allergies run the risk of serious or life-threatening allergic reaction if they consume this product.

Varieties being recalled are:

RXBAR: Apple Cinnamon, Blueberry, Chocolate Chip, Chocolate Hazelnut, Chocolate Sea Salt, Coconut Chocolate, Coffee Chocolate, Mango Pineapple, Maple Sea Salt, Mint Chocolate, Mixed Berry, Pumpkin Spice
RXBAR Kids: Apple Cinnamon Raisin, Berry Blast, Chocolate Chip
No other RXBAR flavors or RXBAR products are affected by the recall.

RXBAR identified the potential for peanut in two varieties - Chocolate Sea Salt and Coconut Chocolate - in December and initiated a recall of those varieties. We are expanding the recall out of an abundance of caution after recently receiving consumer contacts regarding allergic reactions to additional varieties.

Our investigation concluded that the issues stem from a specific ingredient supplied by a third party. We immediately changed suppliers for this ingredient when the issue arose.

People who have purchased affected product and who have peanut allergies should discard the product and contact their local retailer or RXBAR for replacement or a full refund. Consumers can contact the RXBAR consumer service team at info@rxbar.com or 1-312- 624-8200 Monday through Friday, 8:30am CT - 6pm CT and Saturday and Sunday 10am CT - 1pm CT.

Recalled products include:

Apple Cinnamon, single bar, UPC 57777 00417, 12-count carton, UPC 57777 00424Best By Dates between 4/16/2019 - 5/12/2019 and 7/10/2019 - 7/11/2019
Blueberry, single bar, UPC 57777 00419, 12-count carton, UPC 57777 00426 , 10-count carton, UPC 58030 00840, 5-count carton, UPC 58030 00843, 4-count carton, UPC 57777 00447Best By Dates between 3/21/2019 - 5/21/2019 and 7/7/2019 - 9/29/2019
Chocolate Chip, single bar, UPC 57777 00469, 12-count carton, UPC 57777 00472, 5-count carton, UPC 58030 00845, 4-count carton, UPC 57777 00492Best by Dates between 3/24/2019 - 5/14/2019, 7/11/2019 - 9/8/2019 and 9/30/2019 - 10/1/2019
Chocolate Hazelnut, single bar, UPC 59162 00709, 12-count carton, UPC 59162 00710, 4- count carton, UPC 59162 00717, Best By Dates between 2/17/2019 - 10/18/2019
Chocolate Sea Salt, single bar, UPC 57777 00423, 12-count carton, UPC 57777 00430, 10- count carton, UPC 59162 00720, 5-count carton, UPC 58030 00841, 4-count carton, UPC 57777 00448 Best By Dates between 3/4/2019 - 9/11/2019 and on 10/11/2019 only
Coconut Chocolate, single bar, UPC 57777 00421, 12-count carton, UPC 57777 00428, 5- count carton, UPC 58030 00844, 4-count carton, UPC 57777 00491 Best By Dates between 3/1/2019 - 10/13/2019
Coconut Chocolate, single bar, UPC 57777 00421, 12-count carton, UPC 57777 00428, 5- count carton, UPC 58030 00844, 4-count carton, UPC 57777 00491 Best By Dates between 3/1/2019 - 10/13/2019
Coffee Chocolate, single bar, UPC 57777 00422, 12-count carton, UPC 57777 00429, Best By Dates between 4/13/2019 - 8/15/2019
Mango Pineapple, single bar, UPC 57777 00494, 12-count carton, UPC 57777 00495, 4- count carton, UPC 59162 00718, Best By Dates between 2/16/2019 - 10/19/2019
Maple Sea Salt, single bar, UPC 57777 00441, 12-count carton, UPC 57777 00440, 4-count carton, UPC 57777 00454 Best By Dates between 3/2/2019 - 5/23/2019, 7/18/2019 - 7/19/2019 and 9/9/2019 - 9/10/2019
Mint Chocolate, single bar, UPC 57777 00433, 12-count carton, UPC 57777 00434, 4-count carton, UPC 57777 00449 Best By Dates between 3/2/2019 - 4/18/2019 and 7/26/2019 - 8/9/2019
Mixed Berry, single bar, UPC 57777 00467, 12-count carton, UPC 57777 00470, 4-count carton, UPC 59162 00700 Best By Dates between 3/14/2019 - 5/6/2019 and 7/10/2019 - 8/30/2019
KIDS Apple Cinnamon Raisin, single bar, UPC 57777 00477, 16-count carton, UPC 57777 00479, 5-count carton, UPC 57777 00453 Best By Dates between 3/3/2019 - 4/16/2019 and 7/12/2019 only
KIDS Berry Blast, single bar, UPC 57777 00475, 16-count carton, UPC 57777 00478, 5-count carton, UPC 57777 00451 Best By Dates between 3/14/2019 - 4/26/2019 and 6/6/2019 - 8/5/2019
KIDS Chocolate Chip, single bar, UPC 57777 00476, 16-count carton, UPC 57777 00480, 5- count carton, UPC 57777 00452, Best By Dates between 3/15/2019 - 4/14/2019 and 7/17/2019 - 9/21/2019
Pumpkin Spice, single bar, UPC 57777 00418, 12-count carton, UPC 57777 00425, 4-count carton, UPC 59162 00719 Best By Dates between 5/9/2019 - 7/11/2019
10-Bar Variety Pack (Blueberry, Chocolate Sea Salt, Coconut Chocolate, Peanut Butter Chocolate), UPC 59162 00725, Best By Dates between 1/14/2019 - 10/16/2019
12-Bar Variety Pack (Chocolate Sea Salt, Peanut Butter Chocolate), UPC 57777 00481Best By Dates between 1/14/2019 - 6/10/2019
12-Bar Variety Pack (Blueberry, Chocolate Sea Salt, Mixed Berry, Peanut Butter, Peanut Butter Chocolate), UPC 57777 00435, See Best By Date on individual bars as noted in other 12-bar pack
14-Bar Variety Pack (Chocolate Chip and Chocolate Sea Salt), UPC 58030 00821, Best By Dates between 9/20/2019 - 10/1/2019
16-Bar Variety Pack (Chocolate Sea Salt, Peanut Butter Chocolate), UPC 59162 00784, Best By Dates between 7/18/2019 - 9/7/2019
Product images of these products can be found at www.rxbar.com/recall

Shutdown of Government is now 27 days

2019-01-17T13:42:00.003-09:00

Government shutdown reaches Day 27

There are about 450,000 Government employees who still have not been working as of today. The Trump administration continues to recall tens of thousands of workers after almost four weeks of closed doors at vital agencies.

Private contracting firms, that work with Government agencies, have been without work, and no back pay is guaranteed. Unlike furloughed Federal workers who will receive back pay. 800,000 Federal workers are going without pay during the shutdown.

At the IRS, 36,000 employees were asked to return to deal with tax season, About 1,700 FAA aviation safety inspectors were told to return after the agency ran preliminary safety tests and about 2,500 employees at the Agriculture Department will briefly return to process farm loans.

This month people receiving SNAP benefits (food stamps) will get February's in January some have already received them. Also, for Social Security and Disability the February checks will also be given before the end of January. However, there is no way of knowing how much longer this shutdown will continue and if it does not end by February's end SNAP and Social Security and Disability checks can not be guaranteed for March.

We, the People of this Great Nation known as the United States need Our officials to come to some type of resolution. I for one am for the wall if the money can be found. But we can NOT let our Government hold us hostage and even stop our rights to the very needs we have paid for as we worked, like our Social Security, Disability and benefits to those who actually need help with food and medical on the State level known as Health and Welfare. Many Seniors and Disabled just barely survive even when they get SNAP benefits. I really look around and see that other people who have not put into Social Security and yet they get the benefits, of those who have, at a very high amount. I have always believed that the Social Security we have paid in to while working should be put into an account with our names on them so when we retire, or become disabled at some time before retirement age, we are guaranteed Social Security/Disability benefits without having to jump through hoops and the Government saying "There is no more money in Social Security." Why? Because the Government decided to borrow all of it which now puts us at risk of it not being there when we need it. It is our money we paid in. It was not up for borrowing. This is my biggest pet peeve.

Government Shutdown Becomes Longest in U.S. History

2019-01-12T11:12:00.002-09:00

WASHINGTON (Reuters) - A partial U.S. government shutdown over President Donald Trump's demand for $5.7 billion to build a wall along the U.S.-Mexico border entered its 22nd day on Saturday, making it the longest shuttering of federal agencies in U.S. history, with no end in sight.

The closure broke a decades-old record set by a 1995-1996 shutdown under former President Bill Clinton that lasted 21 days.

Trump said on Friday he would not declare a national emergency "right now" to end a standoff over border security that has idled about a quarter of the U.S. government. He spoke after lawmakers had adjourned for the weekend, precluding any possible action until next week.

In a tweet on Saturday, Trump took aim again at the Democrats.

"Democrats should come back to Washington and work to end the Shutdown, while at the same time ending the horrible humanitarian crisis at our Southern Border. I am in the White House waiting for you!" he tweeted.

Trump also urged his 57.2 million twitter followers to contact Democratic lawmakers and "Tell them to get it done!"

Democrats in Congress, who call a wall an ineffective, outdated answer to a complex problem, have passed several bills to reopen the government without funding for Trump's barrier. But the legislation has been ignored by the Republican-controlled Senate.

Trump originally pledged Mexico would pay for the wall, which he says is needed to stem the flow of illegal immigrants and drugs. But Mexico has refused.

U.S. government departments including the Treasury, Energy, Commerce and State departments, shut down when funding lapsed on Dec. 22. Funding for other portions of the government, including the Department of Defense and Congress, was approved, allowing them to continue regular operations.

The dispute has disrupted everything from air travel to tax collection and suspended pay for many government workers.

Roughly 800,000 federal workers did not receive paychecks that would have gone out on Friday. Some have resorted to selling their possessions or posting appeals on online fundraising sites to help pay their bills.

Miami International Airport said it will close one of its terminals early over the next several days due to a possible shortage of security screeners, who have been calling in sick at twice the normal rate.

A union that represents thousands of air traffic controllers sued the Federal Aviation Administration on Friday, saying it had violated federal wage law by failing to pay workers. It is at least the third lawsuit filed by unions on behalf of unpaid workers.

The head of the U.S. Secret Service, which is responsible for protecting Trump, has warned employees that financial stress can lead to depression and anxiety. "Keep an eye out for warning signs of trouble," Director R.D. "Tex" Alles wrote in a memo seen by Reuters.

Trump has repeatedly described the situation at the Mexico border as a "humanitarian crisis" as speculation has increased this week that he would circumvent Congress to begin building his signature wall - a move that would be sure to draw a court challenge from Democrats who say the barrier would be barbaric and ineffective.

Instead, the president urged lawmakers to provide him the $5.7 billion he is seeking for border security.

A national emergency would allow Trump to divert money from other projects to pay for the wall, which was a central promise of his 2016 campaign. That, in turn, could prompt him to sign bills that restore funding to agencies that have been affected by the shutdown.

(Reporting by David Brunnstrom and David Morgan in Washington; Additional reporting by Ginger Gibson in Washington; Editing by Matthew Lewis)

Legislation to Improve Veteran Health Care

2019-01-12T11:00:00.001-09:00

U.S. Sen. Jim Inhofe (R-Okla.) and Congressman Markwayne Mullin (OK-02) held a press conference at the Oklahoma City VA today where they were joined by local veteran Pete Peterson, Oklahoma City VA Director Wade Vlosich and Muskogee VA Director Mark Morgan. Together, they announced a new initiative to help each of Oklahoma’s VA facilities achieve a five star rating, indicating they are two of the highest performing VA facilities in the country.

Additionally, Sen. Inhofe and Congressman Mullin announced they were introducing legislation, cosponsored by Sen. Lankford and Rep. Russell, to require all VA Medical Centers to present a plan to reach five star ratings.

“In the past few years, we’ve made significant progress to improve the standard of care our veterans receive by installing and empowering new leadership and promoting greater transparency. I’m proud of our VA directors and the culture of improvement and accountability they have built. I’m eager to work with them and get them any tools or authorities they need to reach a five star-status,” Sen. Inhofe said. “By saying that we’re going to aim for the highest rating, all of us here today are committing to a culture of continuous improvement at the VA. Our legislation, which would require all VA facilities to submit a plan of how to achieve a five-star rating, would seek to instill that same attitude in VAs around the country so that our veterans receive the best care possible.”

“The men and women who have fearlessly served our nation deserve first-class, or in this case, 5-star health care,” said Sen. Lankford. “The requirement for a specific improvement plan proposed in this bill will assist the VA to achieve the care that our military men and women deserve, and I’m honored to partner with Senator Inhofe, Congressman Mullin and Congressman Russell to introduce a plan that helps the nation’s VA health care facilities continue to improve.”

“Our nation’s veterans deserve five star care no matter which VA health care facility they choose,” said Rep. Mullin. “I’m proud to help introduce legislation that brings greater accountability to the VA facilities serving our veterans. The VA Medical Center Improvement Act instructs underperforming VA facilities to devise a plan to deliver better health care to our veterans. The VA should consistently strive to improve and modernize the care our veterans receive and I’m grateful this piece of legislation brings us one step closer to high quality health care for all of our veterans.”

“Having served for 21 years in the Army, I know firsthand how much our soldiers sacrifice in defense of our republic,” Rep. Russell said. “Our veterans deserve the very best medical care; anything less than the highest standard is unacceptable. S. ___ will push our VA medical facilities to deliver the quality of care that our veterans deserve. I’m proud to support this important legislation, and will be introducing a companion bill in the House.”

Background about the Department of Veterans’ Affairs Ratings:

The Veterans Health Administration uses a unified system for summarizing hospital system performance at individual VA Medical Centers based on 25 quality measures that include complications, patient satisfaction, wait times and staff turnover. The VA Medical Centers are evaluated then awarded ratings, on a scale of 1-5 based both on their relative performance to other VA facilities as well as on year-to-year improvement. While the relative nature of the star system means not every facility will be able to achieve the highest rating, the legislation being introduced seeks to raise the level of patient care across the board by increasing competition for the highest level of ratings.

Shattered ( an original story from me)

2019-01-11T12:55:00.002-09:00

SHATTERED
Pamel Starr-Welsh
2,894 words

Susan was all excited that Ken was flying home after brokering a deal for nearly 4 weeks. Being a brokers wife for one year, she always knew he would be flying off like this but it seemed more lately. She put on some sexy silky blue lingerie and high heels to match and waited in the chair near the door for him.

The plane must have arrived late or he stopped off for flowers she thought. She remembered the first time Ken gave her a flower they were in a field of daisy's, in the third grade, walking home together as they lived side by side each other. She blushed as that was when she knew she would marry him Ken Barker. That night at dinner she blurted out she and Ken were going to get married and her daddy choked on his potatoes. It was funny.

Susan dozed off. She was back in her memories again. She was 11 then and Ken was thirteen. They sat on their favorite branch overseeing the daisy’s. It’s so pretty here isn’t it Ken? Do you think Heaven looks like this or better? Well, Ken said last one down gets to clean up the picnic basket and carry it home after we eat. That’s all I’m thinking of is food right now. I just hope Heaven has lots of it. He began climbing down his side as she climbed down hers her dress got caught and her arm was aching and Susan saw the blood and passed out. Well, Susan guess you better come and eat ---- Susan! Ken tried to get her arm out from between the branches with no luck. About then Billy rode up what’s wrong with Suzie? Get heel-help and ah-ah doc-tor I-I will let her sit on my sh-shoulder so it don’t get any any worse and and hur-hurry she isn’t an-an-answering to her name. Why why not not me G-God? Ww-Why
Su--Susan? I ppr-ray that you make her bet-better ple-please. I am go-going to ma-marry her som-someday. He thought if only he was strong like the good guys in the comics.

Her father, Daniel came running fast with his wagon. Whoa! Whoa! There now. He saw his little girl, his pretty precious child, pale and limp sitting on Ken’s shoulders with blood trickling down unto Ken. Ken looked into Daniel’s eyes and said it--it’s my fault sir I sug-suggested the last one down, car-carries the bas-basket b-back, when it’s really a m-man’s job to do it. Ken took I few deep breaths and let them out slowly. Son, you know how Susan is she will not back down and she would probably have suggested the same. She can be cantankerous and hard-headed like a mule like me and also sweet as cinnamon buns as her Mother. Susan has a destiny before her I haven’t seen in a gal before. You showed yourself a man today. Staying with her with all the varmints out and resting her on your shoulder so she wouldn’t pull it anymore. So, Ken I am very grateful for what you have done to help her no matter whose idea it was. So take a few deep breaths son and get a hold of yourself cuz yer pa’s coming now.

Otis Barker was nothing but a drunk since his wife Helen died of Scarlet Fever. He just couldn’t get over her death. He didn’t know how to show love like he knew Katey wanted. He sure the heck couldn’t show the girl needlepoint, which is why he was walking over to widow Pearson’s house, when he heard about his boy and his girl in an accident. So he turned to that direction.
Otis looked his son Ken up and down,he was tall,lean and had grown into a man, he had his Mother's Helen’s eyes and hair color. He had seen his son covered in blood and didn’t know if they were both hurt.Ya all right boy? Yeah Pa it’s all Susan’s blood I hope she’s gonna make it and tears began to form. You’re a man son. Men don’t cry. I didn’t cry at your Mom’s funeral. Ken heard him at night though but would never tell him or anyone else.

Soon they heard the sirens in the distance getting louder. It was chaos. Men pushing family out of the way. “I gotta faint pulse! Get me some IV solution I’m getting a IV here for it. Hustle now! Or we will loose her! As soon as she is free we are scooping and running notify closest hospital. I see Airlift is now here.”

There was an eerie calmness as the Fireman brought down Susan and placed her body on the stretcher. The flight paramedics placed her on the helicopter and flew away. One Fireman pulled Daniel to the side and told him his daughter will probably loose her arm,as it was shattered, but that’s better than the other alternative. They have rehab and prosthesis now. I won’t say it will be easy for her but I had a feeling like her spirit telling me she will overcome. Sounds silly I know. No don’t leave. She has the same spirit when she is alive and doing things with people. Thank you for telling me this. It will devastate me more then her now that I know that.

The t.v. had been left on and it was showing the aftermath of a 747 going into the ocean. Divers were there by the hundreds searching for any survivors. The Red Cross was nearby if anyone needed a blanket or drinks etc. A mass casualty unit was set up so they could stop the basic bleeding and ship them by one of the twenty ambulances or four Airlift choppers. The divers were discouraged when they were bringing up body parts which were kept in a different area for identification.

“This is Sonja from News 10 with a special News Report a 747 crashed into the ocean, coming from Narita Japan, and headed to Boston Mass. Suddenly something or someone woke Susan up. She rubbed her eyes and looked at the time still no Ben - guess the guys went to celebrate. Again the 747 flying from Narita Japan to Boston Mass crashed into the ocean and their are many divers trying to find survivors. So far only body parts have been found.

Susan fell to her knees and cried “I should have told him before he left that I was pregnant.” She sobbed and sobbed loudly that the lady next door was concerned and knocked on her door. Susan said come in before asking who it was she no longer cared as her heart was shattered into a million pieces and the baby would never know it’s father. Cara came in and helped Susan off the floor and put on some tea. Then Cara put a throw blanket on her. She brought the tea into the living room. There there she said as she patted Susan’s back. Tell me what has you so upset.

My husband was on the 747 that crashed into the ocean. Just look at that they haven’t brought up a whole person just pieces. I will turn the t.v. off so we can relax and talk about happier things. I should have told him before he left that I am pregnant. A baby what a blessing, let me tell you after my Bruce was shot down and killed in the war, I too was pregnant and it was a blessing to have a part of Bruce himself. It was hard at first keeping up with other people’s laundry and caring for a baby. But the joys we had were always far better and I knew Bruce was there with us in spirit.

How did you care for him when you were at work? Oh, I had people bring me there clothes to clean etc. And I would have them pick them up in 2 days. Some days Brucie was a handful. Oh that’s nice you named him after his father. Yes, it was already the name I picked before I was to tell him but he too never knew. Just as well it would have more of a distraction in a war.

The phone rang. Let me get it dear. No I need to answer this because it’s an ending and a new beginning. “Hello”. "This is Sonja from News 10 I would like to speak to you about if you are joining in the lawsuit formed by the other family members?” "How can they be so cruel we just lost loved ones and they treat them as meat not people.” Click.

Thank you Cara but I think I want to go to bed and pray and possibly sleep where he slept. You do that I will pray for you too along for the lost ones. I will also put you on my prayer list group if that is okay. "Okay". Susan locked the door after Cara left, the apartment was empty. Pregnant and my husband is dead. I will work through the shattered pieces of my life. When I lost my arm it was hard work and Ken was there all the way cheering me on. Guess he will have to cheer me on from Heaven now. I wonder if it’s as beautiful as that field of daisy’s.

The phone rang again it was her Mom and Dad they were leaving Sweden early and coming to be with me. "Your Mom can help plan the funeral with Otis they seem to get along somewhat". "Please be careful wear flotation vests I don’t trust airplanes anymore". "Hey sweetie we could try a boat but your Mom gets seasick and it’s a lot of rowing". Susan gave a small chuckle. Her Dad could always make her laugh or smile. "Oh yeah before I go to bed you are going to be Grandparents. Night". Click.

Daniel and Ellen couldn’t talk about anything else but the fact that Susan had sprung on them the fact they were going to be Grandparents. Ellen was already preparing a baby shower. She is one of the best event planners in town. People are on a big list but she will definitely swing a small one in their house. That’s how Susan would want it since tragedy had just befallen Ben.

Susan and I will go shopping for baby furniture, maternity clothes, and you can put together the crib and paint the walls a soft green. Why don’t we let Susan decide the color of the walls it may make it easier on her. Grandpa you will make a fine one. Can you make a cradle I hope we have time but this is a timepiece like you made the ones for ours. I know it is and I will try to find the right wood. Besides, we should discuss this with her too. She may want a Bassinet not a wooden cradle. Oh Posh! What is it dear? Do you think it’s too soon to take her out and buy things. We don’t even know if she needs the maternity clothes yet as one starts wearing them around four months. It would be best Ellen to allow her to ask or tell us when she needs to get things for the baby.

Hi Mom and Dad. How was the sites. She still couldn’t say flight. They were fine. You should go on a cruise with us maybe Barbados? You don’t have to commit. The manager gave me time off for grieving which totals to six days. Wow what a sensitive manager. Ellen. First of all I want to know when the baby is due. I am at four months. Daniel we will need to air our place out and have it cleaned at once so we can be here during Susan’s pregnancy and in the aftermath a little. Ok dear I will make the calls but before I do I want to know how Susan feels about this? Wow Dad is retaliating against Mom now, boy is that a big change. Susan it is up to you whether or not you want to accept our help. Oh, Mom that’s all I’ve ever wanted from you. I never felt right with you it was like to embroidery or something, and I couldn’t get it right. So how about one rule I get final choice on all things not you or I will leave the store and your grand-baby. I agree Susan.

The sun seemed to be glowing upon Susan. Mom had done a simple Ceremony as Otis wanted. Nearly half the town showed up for it. Psalm 23 was read which was Ken’s favorite. White carnations, like Otis wanted, were all over. Otis allowed the Pastor to speak for five minutes then it was over. Otis quietly thanked Ellen for helping with his boy’s funeral. That boy had something special. He worked his way up from the mail room to being the company CEO. I was mighty proud. I best be getting along and I am so sorry for you too Susan. Otis you are going to be a grandpa. Ken left us somebody to love behind. That’s great. Gotta be going, gotta be going. Us too said Dan. But Daddy. Sweetheart take this one from me. After loosing a wife and now a son I think it’s time for Otis to actually have a good cry.

Time flew by as long as she was busy between work and helping with the nursery of which she chose a mint green. She did join in the lawsuit once she found it was faulty engine lights and controls. If they had maintained the airline her son’s father would be going to baseball games and fishing with him. Cara her neighbor and her became close. Cara said she could babysit any day except Wednesday and Sunday.

Susan took a deep breath and let it out and just walked in on the boss, and one of the employees, the secretary grabbed up her clothes to dress. Being a software producer means I don’t do anything really here except presentations on occasion. Well, Mr. Drake I have a proposition for you, He straightens his tie and pats his lap. No, mine is legit. As a Software Producer I can do most of my work from home and Skype on any unbooked meetings. I will still be able to come in on any two days except Wed and Sun. You won’t tell my wife what you saw. Gee-sh, this has nothing to do with that everyone here has known for quite some time and we’ve always kept our manners and your secret when Mrs. Drake comes in the building. So please give me your opinion so I can get my things I will do at home. I want an answer please. I need you on Monday and Friday. Mrs. Littleton and I want an update submitted regularly every Wednesday before our 3 p.m. meeting. The secretary wrote it up and they signed the agreement for a six month trial.

Afterwards, when Susan and her family, had leg of lamb that night for dinner. Susan stood to go to the rest room and gush, her water broke, Ow! Her Mom saw the puddle and noticed she hardly ate anything. How long have you been have contractions? I don’t know my back has been really bothering me. Daniel put the suitcase into the car and helped assist Susan too. And they were off. Did you drive like this when Mom was having us. Mom chuckled and said yes.

Daniel paced the waiting room as he did for his own kids. “Hey dude you’ll be too old to play football with your kid” said a disheveled lanky guy with a goatee and sideburns. For a matter of fact dude I am awaiting the arrival of my first grandson his father died in that 747 in the ocean. “Sorry Dude.”

Masters-Barker the Nurse announced at the door. "Me" was all Ken could say. Well, let’s go see that baby Grandpa. He sure is handsome and a charmer already. He walked into the room and saw the same wavy hair of Susan. The hair coloring was blonde like both Susan and Ken’s. He had these radiant blue eyes that you just couldn’t take your eyes off they were mesmerizing. Yeah, Dad I noticed those eyes too they’re like blue pools of evanescent water. Go ahead and take him. Benny Daniel Masters-Barker meet your Gran-daddy. That’s a name he will have to grow into to. Hmm m Hmm m, Dan turned around and saw Otis they had called him about the baby. He’s a tiny one girl you not feeding him right Otis slapped his leg. He brought some pretty daisy’s a tear rolled down Susan’s cheek. Did I do right. No sir, this just made my day better. What’s his name? Benny Daniel Masters-Barker. Well, you are gonna need some grits to grow into that name how about Grand-pappy Otis calls you just Benny Boy? You get those eyes checked? Yes and they were okay. Well then that’s good. Otis thought, better not tell anyone, that he could be a seer. Since they probably wouldn’t let me near him again.

USDA Announces Plan to Protect SNAP Participants’ Access to SNAP in February

2019-01-09T08:44:00.001-09:00

(Washington, D.C., January 8, 2019) – At the direction of President Donald J. Trump, U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Sonny Perdue today announced a plan to ensure that low-income Americans have access to the nutrition they need, despite the inability of Congress to pass an appropriations bill that safely secures our borders. The plan provides full benefits for participants in USDA’s Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) for the month of February.

When USDA’s funding expired on December 21, 2018, SNAP benefits for January were fully funded. States have already received that money and have been distributing it to participants. Since the lapse in appropriations, USDA has been reviewing options available to the department for funding February benefits without an additional appropriation from Congress.

“At President Trump’s direction, we have been working with the Administration on this solution. It works and is legally sound. And we want to assure states, and SNAP recipients, that the benefits for February will be provided,” Perdue said. “Our motto here at USDA has been to ‘Do Right and Feed Everyone.’ With this solution, we’ve got the ‘Feed Everyone’ part handled. And I believe that the plan we’ve constructed takes care of the ‘Do Right’ part as well.”

To protect SNAP participants’ access for February, USDA is working with states to issue February benefits earlier than usual. USDA will rely on a provision of the just-expired Continuing Resolution (CR), which provides an appropriation for programs like SNAP and child Nutrition to incur obligations for program operations within 30 days of the CR’s expiration. USDA will be reaching out to states to instruct them to request early issuance of SNAP benefits for February. States will have until January 20th to request and implement the early issuance. Once the early issuances are made, the February benefits will be made available to SNAP participants at that time.

USDA has also ensured the other major nutrition assistance programs have sufficient funding to continue operations into February. The child nutrition programs, including school meals and after-school programs have funding available to continue operations through March. The Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants and Children (WIC) has prior year funding which USDA will begin to provide states this week to facilitate February benefits. Other FNS programs, which provide critical assistance to our nation’s food banks, the elderly, and Tribal nations, may continue to utilize grant funding provided prior to the lapse in appropriations. Commodity deliveries to those programs will continue.

Nutrition Assistance Programs under a Lapse in Appropriations

Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP)

USDA will use the authority under the last Continuing Resolution to issue February benefits. The Continuing Resolution that expired December 21, 2018 provided an appropriation for programs like SNAP and Child Nutrition to incur obligations for program operations during the 30 day-period following the expiration of the Act.
States will need to take action to issue February benefits on or before January 20, 2019. We will be reaching out to States to instruct them to request early issuance of SNAP benefits for February. States will have until January 20 to implement this early issuance.
Once these early issuances are made, the February benefits will be made available to SNAP participants at that time. SNAP monthly issuance for February is estimated to be approximately $4.8 billion and State administrative expense (SAE) is estimated at about $350 million for a total need of approximately $5.1 billion.
This approach requires careful coordination. FNS has noticed States to hold their issuance files. States would, instead, implement an early issuance strategy, providing February benefits to SNAP participants on or before January 20, 2019. We will be working with States individually on how this approach is executed, in order to issue benefits to eligible households in the most efficient and equitable manner possible.
Child Nutrition Programs

For these programs, including school meals and the Child and Adult Care Food Program, States already have funding to cover CN program operations for the month of January (approximately $2.1 billion) on the basis of the last continuing resolution.
This week, we will provide an additional two months’ worth of funding, consistent with the standard practice of funding these programs on a quarterly basis.
Supplemental Nutrition and Safety Programs

For WIC, FNS has identified resources to cover projected State expenditures for February. The agency will allocate at least $248 million to State agencies this week, and we have identified an additional $350 million in unspent prior year funds to allocate at a later date. A total of approximately $600 million in funding will be provided to WIC State agencies. We will continue to work with States to make resources available to the extent possible.
For the WIC Farmers’ Market (FMNP) and Senior Farmers’ Market Nutrition Programs (SFMNP), FNS does not anticipate significant operational impacts as they are seasonal benefit programs with annual grant funds.
For the Commodity Supplemental Food Program (CSFP), food deliveries planned for February will continue. Due to the lapse, States have not received their 2019 caseload assignments, so CSFP-participating States must operate at 2018’s caseload levels. Similarly, states have received no additional administrative funds since the lapse, and none can be made available until the lapse ends.
For The Emergency Food Assistance Program (TEFAP), food deliveries planned for February (including entitlement, bonus and trade mitigation) will continue. States have received no additional administrative funds since the lapse, and none can be made available until the lapse ends.
For the Food Distribution Program on Indian Reservations (FDPIR), food deliveries planned for February will continue. FDPIR programs have administrative funding through January 31 and are expected to operate the program.