Welcome To My Morning

A Wonderful Valentine's Tea Party and Brunch

2012-02-12T15:59:00.000-08:00

Notice off to the left my Hibiscus bloomed for the day.

The Valentine's Tea Party and Brunch was a huge hit! The grandkids arrived dressed in their finest outfits and Princess dresses. They were so thrilled to see the decorations and treats. All were hungry and so willing to eat their picnic brunch of comfort food, crock pot of chili, and oven baked macaroni and cheese, and then on to the delightful desserts. I baked cupcakes, and Linzer Tarts. I made homemade heart shaped sugar cubes for the tea. We had tea, cocoa, and root beer to drink. Jamiann made mini marshmallows dipped in white chocolate and then heart shaped sprinkles for the cocoa.

After dinner they danced to the sounds of Nat and Alex former Naked Brothers Band, Katy Perry's Fireworks, Lady Gaga, Owl City's Fireflies, and Hot Chele Rae-Tonight.

All my hard work and preparation didn't go unnoticed either, besides the ooos and aaaas, I received some nice Valentine's Day gifts. My husband Roger gave me the lovely pink roses in the pictures and a Russell Stover Heart Box of chocolates, Jennifer and family gave me the top and scarf, and Jamiann and family gave me a pink scented candle. What a wonderful day today was for my family and I. I am blessed!

For the recipe for the Linzer Tarts click here: Linzer Tarts
To learn how to make the basket cupcakes or heart shaped sugar cubes click here: Cupcakes & Sugar Cubes
To learn how to make extraordinary marshmallows to top off a nice cup of hot chocolate click here Mallows With Pizzazz

A Remarkable Young Man and My Hero-Andy Weaver

2012-02-05T10:21:00.000-08:00

This is one of my Facebook Friends, the unbelievably remarkable and inspiring Andy Weaver who has been confined to a wheel chair and has been rigorously working with physical therapists to get out of the chair and walk. He does everything with so much enthusiasm, he is my hero! Just look at that crowd cheering him on...Andy you are so loved and admired! Keep up the spirit!

Groundhog Day-Don't Want To Burst Your Bubble But....

2012-02-02T12:02:00.000-08:00

For the most part groundhogs hibernate from October and all the way up until April sometimes. No Groundhog with a lick of sense would come out on February the second. Most of them build a separate borrow that is dug below the frost line and remains at a stable temp well above freezing during these months.

I have a groundhog who lives under my shed. He has been living there for several years. My neighbor wants him dead as he eats his garden in the summer. I feel sorry for him, and actually have prayed for him. I know that is silly. I really don't mind killing stink bugs though!

Now there you go...the stink bug. How about Stink Bug Day. That would definitely be a better choice of predicting the coming of warmer weather. Whenever we have a warmer day like we had on Sunday the Stink Bug appears.

Today there is quite an overcast here in Berks County, PA yet they say that Phil saw his shadow in Punxsutawney, PA. Most likely the result of a barrage of camera flashes!

Happy Groundhog Day!

Re-Post: The Window from which we look

2012-02-01T09:00:00.000-08:00

I got the following in an e-mail, and just had to pass it on...

The Window from which we look

A young couple moves into a new neighborhood.
The next morning while they are eating breakfast,
The young woman sees her neighbor hanging the wash outside.
"That laundry is not very clean", she said.
"She doesn't know how to wash correctly.
Perhaps she needs better laundry soap."

Her husband looked on, but remained silent.

Every time her neighbor would hang her wash to dry,
The young woman would make the same comments.

About one month later, the woman was surprised to see a
Nice clean wash on the line and said to her husband:

"Look, she has learned how to wash correctly.
I wonder who taught her this."

The husband said, "I got up early this morning and
Cleaned our windows."

And so it is with life. What we see when watching others
Depends on the purity of the window through which we look

"Like My Mother Does" The Importace Of A Mother's Unconditional Love and Guidance

2012-01-29T08:34:00.000-08:00

Like My Mother Does lyrics
Songwriters: Nathan Chapman;Elisabeth Rose;Nicole Williams


Irene,Diane, Ruth Ann, Mom Easter 1958

People always say I have a laugh
Like my mother does
Guess that makes sense
She taught me how to smile

When things get rough
I've got her spirit, she's always got my back
When I look at her I think
I want to be just like that

When I love I give it all I've got
Like my mother does
When I'm scared, I bow my head and pray
Like my mother does

When I feel weak and unpretty
I know I'm beautiful and strong
Because I see myself
Like my mother does

I've never met a stranger, I can talk to anyone
Like my mother does
I let my temper fly, but she can walk away
When she's had enough

She sees everybody
For who they really are
I'm so thankful for her guidance
She's helped me get this far

When I love I give it all I've got
Like my mother does
When I'm scared I bow my head and pray
Like my mother does

When I feel weak and unpretty
I know I'm beautiful and strong
Because I see myself
Like my mother does

She's a rock, she is grace, she's an angel,
She's my heart and soul, she does it all

When I love, I give it all I've got
Like my mother does
When I'm scared, I bow my head and pray
Like my mother does

When I feel weak and unpretty
I know I'm beautiful and strong
Because I see myself
Like my mother does

Like my mother does
I hear people saying
I'm starting to look
Like my mother does

Me with my two daughters and six grandchildren Family Wedding 2010

Sharing A Great Find: Winnie-The-Pooh: A Valentine For You

2012-01-26T11:21:00.000-08:00


I bought this movie for Emily

I first watched this movie with my eldest grandchild Emily when she was about two years old, and she is now almost thirteen. I so love the song Place In The Heart from this movie; a lovely message that is oh so true!

Places in the Heart (Winnie the Pooh: A Valentine for You)

[Christopher Robin]

(Oh, Pooh.)

There's a place right here
And it's really rather small
But this rather small place
Knows the grandest thing of all

It knows when understanding can be hard to understand
It knows that words aren't needed
When you take somebody's hand

[Pooh]

(Like mine?)

[Christopher Robin]

It knows that you are with me
In everything I do

[Pooh]

(chuckles)

[Christopher Robin]

It's that special corner of my heart
The place that I call Pooh

[Pooh]

(Oh, Christopher.)

[Christopher Robin]

There are places in the heart
That always know a friend
In good and glad and sad times
The heart remembers them

There are new friends yet to meet
There's a place for them to start
But old friends always keep their
Places in the heart

[Pooh]

(Old friends like...)

[Christopher Robin and Pooh]

(Us!)

[Christopher Robin]

(Oh, Pooh. I care just as much about you as I always have.)

[Pooh]

(I guess I thought that, too. Still, it's very nice to hear it said.)

[Christopher Robin]

(chuckles Silly old bear.)

[Christopher Robin, Pooh, Tigger and Rabbit]

There are places in the heart
That always know a friend
In good and glad and sad times
The heart remembers them

There are new friends yet to meet
There's a place for them to start
But old friends always keep their
Places in the heart

[Christopher Robin]

(I love you, Pooh.)

Winnie-The-Pooh: A Valentine For You (First Half) by TheClassicDisneyChannel

Winnie-The-Pooh: A Valentine For You (Second Half) by TheClassicDisneyChannel

IllumiNations, Epcot Reflections Of Earth

2012-01-24T19:45:00.001-08:00

This is one of my favorite things to see while visiting Epcot! It is an amazing live pyrotechnic/fireworks with laser light, video display images, and a moving musical score; creating an inspirational feeling of deep joy and peace. I find it quite an emotional experience. If you do decide to stay after dark, you want to get to the World Showcase Lagoon by at the very least 8:45 PM in order to get that front row position. Be sure to wear warm clothing if you go during the late fall to winter months. It can go as low as 40 degrees by 9PM when the show begins.

As per Disney this is a three act show:

Act 1: Chaos — Bear witness to the explosion at the dawn of time that brings about the creation of Earth, where you are invited to observe the Inferno Barge, a liquid-propane mechanism launching balls of fire 60 feet into the air.
Act 2: Order — Behold the glowing Earth Globe as it glides peacefully to the center of the lagoon, illuminated with—and celebrating—the famous faces and achievements of our time.
Act 3: Meaning — During this final act, the Earth Globe blossoms to reveal a torch and the glow of a thousand fireworks and laser lights that fill the night sky in a shimmering kaleidoscope of color and sound, propelling us into the future.

Each time I had seen it, it was featured at 9PM, however you may want to check this out when arriving at the main gate.

Reflections of Earth is an outdoor show and subject to cancellation due to inclement weather.

Remembering My Grandfather On What Would Have Been His 112th Birthday!

2012-01-22T13:41:00.000-08:00

Pappy with my daughter Jamiann 1982

Today would have been my maternal grandfather's 112th Birthday. Happy Birthday Pappy! His name is Howard Norman Eck, he was next to the youngest of twenty-one children born to Margaret Hinkel Eck, and Frances Eck in Weatherly, Pennslyvania.

The family had lived in Mauch Chunk, now known as Jim Thorpe, PA, and at some point in time they moved to Phlllipsburg, NJ. When my grandfather was in elementary school, they lived on what was known as Dish Water Row, which sat above South Main Street on the left side traveling toward Alpha on that long stretch just before the Norton's Liqour Store by Green's Bridge.

Dishwater Row got its name from the women who lived up there throwing their dishwater over the front porch, and it would hit the passing trolley cars. I actually remember when the trolley tracks were in the middle of S. Main and ran all the way up Rt. 519 into Alpha. They ran along 519/Third Avenue, making a right turn onto High Street, over the tracks they continued toward the left down Railroad Avenue in front of Kutzman's Gas Station and ran all the way down toward what was Lyons Electric, just below the current firehouse.

When Pappy lived on Dishwater Row he and his siblings climbed aboard slow moving railroad coal cars, and kicked off coal, carrying it home in old pillow cases to be used to heat their home. I find it hard to believe that they told the truth to their mother as to where they got it. She was a strict Christian woman and would never have approved of such measures. Once he took his little sister, my Great Aunt Ree on board with him, she became too scared to jump off and they ended up in Stewartsville before they could get off of the train.

At one point in time, they moved to what was at that time the oldest home in Phillipsburg, and it sat where the Armory sits today on Heckman Street. It was a field stone home similar to the Roseberry House which still stands next to the Phllipsburg Middle School.

While living there when he was about 17 years old he was crossing the Ingersoll Rand property, and was hit by a jitney engine. He was taken to a hospital in Philadelphia where he had brain surgery to save his life. They removed part of his skull in his forehead, which left a life long dent there.

At the age of twenty he married Mary Beatrice Kohl, and a year later my mother Ruth Marie was born in Betts Hospital in Easton, PA. When my mother was eighteen months old, her mother left her with her mother-in-law, my great grandmother Margaret while she went home to visit her parents in Easton, PA. While she was visiting them she had a seizure. Little was known about seizures back then, and her family committed her to a nursing home.

When she did not return to their home in Phillipsburg, NJ that evening, he went looking for her at her parent's home. Her brother Her brother was the Chief of the Easton Police Department at the time, and was there to greet him. My grandfather became upset because they would not allow him to see his wife and take her home. He had my grandfather arrested, and would not allow anyone to visit my grandmother.

Approximately twenty years later my mother went to visit her mother in the very depressing nursing home. The attendants said that no one ever came to visit her from her own family. My mother and father had my brother Buddy with them and he was just a baby. Her mother made a fuss over him, saying "I have a baby just like you at home." Those words broke my mother's heart. Our grandmother died at the age of 47 of a brain tumor. When my mother walked up to the casket all the lights in the funeral parlor went out. Everyone said it was an omen. I told my mother that I think it was her mother's way of telling her that she knew that she was her little baby girl.

I really don't know much more about my grandfather's life until 1955 when his home on Delaware Drive in Easton was flooded during Hurricane Diane. Pappy moved into our very small four room home on Shimer Street in Phillipsburg. His arrival into our home was proof positive of my mother's ability to love unconditionally and give with all her heart. It also showed that she ruled the roost, and the our father went along with her wishes. My parents already had three children on August, 17, with the new arrival of their fourth on the day of the flood August 18, 1955.

Mom, Dad, a fourteen year old son, seven year old daughter, four year old daughter, and a brand new baby in a two bedroom, four room one half of a double home with an outhouse, and now our grandfather. He slept on the couch for the next three years until we moved to Alpha, NJ where he finally had his own bedroom.

No matter where we lived all the kids loved Pappy, and they all called him Pappy. Sometimes he babysat for us while Mom worked at our snack bar. I can remember him making us French Toast that he called Egg Bread. He showed us how to melt a puddle of butter in the middle and sprinkle on sugar. I still eat it that way, and love it that way. He would have made Paula Deen proud.

Once he bought me a second hand bike, painted it silver, and placed a saddle bag behind the seat and a basket on the bars. I have a fond memory of Pappy and I hopping the bus to downtown Phillipsburg from Alpha when I was twelve. He took me shopping at Stone's Dept. Store and bought me a red bathing suit, white lace cover up, straw hat, and flip flops. We then went to the Wardell for their famous steak, and then caught the Trans Bridge Bus home to Alpha.

He sang us songs that were not quite appropriate for adults to sing to children, but not all together that bad either. We definitely memorized them and sang them to our friends.

Way down south where the grass grows green,
The bull frog jumped in the sewing machine,
The sewing machine went around so fast...
it sewed ten stitches in the bullfrogs a*s!

Oh, how we would giggle and laugh, and the more you laughed around Pappy the more he sang...

There was a dog, his name was Jack
He pooped(sh*t)all over the rail road track.
The train came by the poop(sh*t) flew high,
and hit the conductor right in the eye!

&

Gene, Gene he made a machine,
Joe, Joe made it go...
Frank, Frank, turned the crank...
His father came out and gave him a spank
and knocked him over the cinder bank.
or
Gene, Gene he made a machine,
Joe, Joe made it go...
Art, Art left a fart,
and blew the machine all apart!

He also told the best stories. If you have ever seen the movie "Big Fish" well that movie reminds me of Pappy. On one particular day when Pappy was in his late seventies or early eighties while sitting around my mother's kitchen table, my brother Buddy encouraged Pappy to tell us the story of the Sunshine Man.

In a very enthusiastic manner he began to tell us that he saved this man he called the Sunshine Man from drowning in Indian Head Lake. He said he was the biggest man he had ever seen, he was 21 feet, 18 inches tall. As he described him, Buddy was doing the "David Letterman" interview thing, encouraging him to elaborate, all the while we are all laughing until our stomachs hurt, and Pappy loved it, the more we laughed that more eager the expression on his face became. He cajoled, "He was so big they picked him up and put him on a fire truck and his feet hung off the end." "Then they took him to an airplane hanger, because it was the only thing with a tall enough ceiling."

Another of his stories always reminded Buddy of the TV show Soap where the grandfather thought he was Teddy Roosevelt. He always told a story of how he signed the Peace Treaty with Woodrow Wilson and Kaiser Wilhelm at the end of WWI. He actually told a woman from a government office that he was a veteran, and when I said he wasn't she acted as though I was lying. So, I simply said to him, "Tell the lady about what you did with Woodrow Wilson."

I am not sure if he had delusions or he incorporated things he saw on TV into his own memory brought on by the brain injury of his youth. Whatever the case may be, he became a much more interesting character.

When he came to live at our house after the flood, he realized he was missing one shoe of a perfectly good pair. He went downtown in Phillipsburg to Harold's Shoe store and tried to convince the clerk to sell him one shoe to match that one he had.

He loved trains, and would often talk about the Baltimore Ohio Railroad, and thought that Baltimore was in Ohio. When my girls were little I would take him for rides. Sometimes we just rode around Pohatcong Township, Milford, and Ingersoll Rand where he would tell us that he was a night watchman at the dam when he was young. But he loved it when I would take him to Stokes State Forest, High Point, and the Poconos. When we arrived home he would tell everyone that I had him either to Port Jervis or Warrick, New York.

He loved to play the harmonica. His favorite songs were Turkey In The Straw, and The Dark Town Strutters Ball. On Christmas day 1973 I gave Pappy a musical toy monkey that was battery operated, and played the drums and hit the cymbals while it screeched. Little did I know that day that I started a new obsession for my grandfather. Every time anyone came to visit my parent's home Pappy would go back to his bedroom and return with that monkey to show it off for entertainment value. That monkey started a string of musical or wind up toy purchases for Pappy's birthday and Christmas presents.

Ever since he moved in with us he would go along with Mom on her weekly grocery shopping trips. When we were little he always bought us something that we liked, usually licorice or cookies. After my children were born, he was known for having large Hershey bars, and Saltine Crackers in brown paper grocery bags sitting on his bedroom floor. Every time any toddler entered Mom's home, they ran straight for his bedroom and asked for chocolate.

Everyone of my siblings, and all of my parent's grandchildren were always known as "Pappy's Little Honey Babe". He would repeat that often, along with a little "Deeddle deet, deet, deedle, deedle..deet" or a "Joe Bags whatever that meant. He was always very entertaining in a silly, strange way.

In the fall of 1978, I took Pappy to Wilkes Barre, Pennsylvania as my guinea pig when taking my test to receive a Barber Hairstylist license. We had to climb a huge staircase and poor Pappy was seventy-eight years old. Then the shampoo sink was broken so I had to wash his hair leaning forward into the sink, and he started swearing when his face got wet. I had to give him a shave and clipper hair cut. I nicked his ear, but used proper procedure to stop the bleeding, and I passed the test.

On the way home he talked me into stopping at the Buckhorn Casino on Rt. 519 between Belvidere and Harmony, NJ for a drink. I bought him a shot and a beer, and we made a pact to not tell Mom, as she had stopped him from drinking after he had bowel surgery.

Mom started buying non-alcohol wine at Laneco, and scratched the non-alcohol words off of the bottle so he wouldn't know that it wasn't real wine. Once he asked her why all the bottles had scratches on them. She told him it was the way they unpack them at the store.

He lived with my parents for the rest of his life. When my dad passed away before him he said," I wished God took me instead of Bud." and he cried. Pappy passed away in March of 1989 at the age of eighty nine.
He was ambulatory right up until the end and had gone shopping with Mom the weekend before he passed away.

I am so glad that he was our grandfather, and that we grew up in an extended family. I am so grateful that Howard Norman Eck came into this world on January 22, 1900. We will hold him in our hearts until that day when we can hold him in our arms once again.

❄❄❄Snow Day by Diane Dunwell-Hoffman ❄❄❄

2012-01-19T08:01:00.000-08:00

Lying on my ice cold belly atop the hand me down Flexible Flyer, weighted down by not only the freezing wet bundles of coat and leggings, but you perched up there with your tummy pressed to my back.

Swoosh, off we go down, down the snow covered hill, with icy crystals stinging our cheeks, you holding on for dear life, me trying to steer those stiff wooden handle bars with numb fingers tucked into frozen mittens.

Slowly the sled comes to rest at the edge of our yard. "Up again?" you ask. "No I'm goin in." I reply as I trudge up the porch steps, stomping off snow from my rubber boots.

As I open the front door, I hear Mom shout, "Close that door we're not heating the outdoors!" Then with her next breath, "Don't track that snow all over the house!"

After a half hour passes, Mom helps me bundle up again, replacing the wet mittens with a pair of heavy socks. As she escorts me to the door, she expounds, "For the life of me, I can't understand why you are going out into the cold again, only to be right back in here in no time at all tracking snow all through the house!"

Those were the days, when sleds were our only means of transportation on a day when school was closed, snow was fun, and socks were mittens!

Dedicated to my sisters, Irene, and Ruth Ann who were my sledding partners, when there was one sled and four kids.

Apple Pie Is Fun To Make

2012-01-13T08:43:00.000-08:00

This is my youngest of six grandchildren. We made this video in June of 2010 when she was a little over three years old. She will be five in March 2012. She loves to sing and entertain just like both of her parents!

My Ominous Adventures At True Blue Farm Excerpt

2012-01-12T16:34:00.000-08:00

Although I have written my book as fiction, the only actual fictional element is the paranormal storyline, and the dream of gangsters and death. The Sam character was a real life family friend who had an amazingly wonderful influence on my childhood. My Great Aunt Ree and Uncle Bill did live on the exact farm written in the story, and they did raise my mother. Everything about the description of the home and its property were real. However, after Aunt Ree passed away in 1978, and Uncle Bill sold the property, the new owner tore the barn down, and leveled the land for planting. Only the house remains, and that has been totally remodeled. I was given a tour of it in October 2001, and had tears in my eyes the entire time. Everything in the house was changed except my memories of it.

The story of the August 1955 flood was an actual event and I had written about it in a historical manner. I also could never forget what I saw when we actually went to the top of College Hill in Easton, PA and saw the horrifying site of chicken coops and tons of other debris floating down the river.

While I am honored and amazed by seeing comments comparing my story to The Wizard Of Oz , I myself see no similarity except for the fact that my mother was actually raised by her aunt and uncle who purchased the farm after my mother married. There was no rainbow to travel over after the real life flood, no scare crows, lions, or tin men, not even a wonderful wizard!

An exact replica at Knoebels Amusement Park

Excerpt from the book: *That wonderful Chevy truck kept on going, and soon we were riding down the lane that ran in front of their home and bore right towards the barn. On the right I could see the Ferris

wheel planter filled with colorful annuals and the entire yard surrounded by iris, gladiolas, flocks, pink and yellow honeysuckle, and pom-pom bushes. Even in the rain these flowers were oh so beautiful. The droplets of rain appeared to be tiny mirrors resting on the soft petals of the honey suckle vines and the fragrant aroma that lingered in the steamy air was simply wonderful.

If you enjoyed reading the excerpt, you will enjoy reading the entire book. Please follow the link below to purchase it:

http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/my-ominous-adventures-at-true-blue-farm-diane-dunwell-hoffman/1018947471?ean=9781413797701

*Note When reading the reviews please keep in mind they suddenly popped up when an Adult Cyber Bully went on a rampage beginning Dec. 29, 2011, before that date the only review was in 2006, and it was a positive one.

Oh gee, look where Anonymous, Why, why, why, got the words for their review of my book: Click Here Stealing seems to be contagious, first photos, now words! Guess I can deal with being in the same category as Ian Flemming! Wow, Frank L. Baum and Ian Flemming all in one day!

Wondrously Mad is more like it. Now I have seen everything; a book reviewer plagiarizing a review not once but twice: Click Here AGAIN

It really just goes to prove my theory that all the bad reviews Since Dec. 29, 2011 were one and the same person! Some people will never grasp the concept of live and let live...is peace possible? However, her plan backfired as the sale of my book has had a spike since her demeaning rants.

Bud's Snack Bar Cheese Steaks

2012-01-10T18:46:00.000-08:00

During the Spring of 1958 my father and his brother Dick, built a small building on the South West corner of Rt. 519 and Rt. 22, next to Bud Burgstresser's Sunoco Gas Station. Presently it would be situated a little toward Rt. 22 next to the abandoned former bank in the Walmart Strip Mall near Ruby Tuesdays. Back then the area of the strip mall was a cornfield the stretched from St.James Avenue/Rt. 519 toward New Brunswick Avenue also known as Alternate Route 22. This area was known as Straw Church Circle before they turned the circle into a cross roads, adding traffic lights.

The building was almost square, with a slanted roof, and we called it the "Cup", but the sign on top read Bud's Snack Bar. My parent's signature sandwich was their steak sandwich, and what made them so good was Mom's original sauce recipe. Dad had an Auto Detailer paint in cursive Bud's Snack Bar, and the words French Fries, Hamburgers, Milk Shakes, and Steaks on the sides of his 1959 green Ford pick-up truck.

Their steak sandwiches were the most popular item on the menu. Our french fries were always made with fresh potatoes, no frozen there. The hot dogs were made as Toby's Cup make them, deep fried in oil. The menu also included hamburger bar-b-que, also known as Sloppy Joes, and hamburgers. We sold ice cream, soda, floats, milk shakes, sundaes, pretzels, chips, Tasteykakes, and candy. Dad also sold produce, such as potatoes, watermelons, and apples on the grassy area between the parking area and the corner.

We had lots of loyal customers and most of our friends loved to tag along when we worked the counter. During the interim slow periods we would sit on over turned apple baskets or milk crates, and play a game of trying to toss rocks in a basket, and trying to get passing truckers to blow their air horns with our motions of pulling on a horn/s chain using our arms. We would listen to songs on the radio like, Running Bear, Purple People Eater, and I Will Follow Him, and of course we sang along at the top of our lungs.

In 1963, my parents opened another business on the corner of Rt. 519/Third Avenue and East Central Avenue in Alpha, known as the Alpha Luncheonette. For three years they had kept both businesses running, closing the "Cup" in 1966, and selling the structure. It was a bitter sweet moment, as we no longer wanted to be tied to trying to keep two businesses going as a family, yet we would miss that quaint little "Cup" and all the memories it held.

Bud's Snack Bar Cheese Steak Sandwich

2 lbs. Chipped Steak Meat (Mom got hers from the meat counter at the former Central Super Market) We have gotten ours from the Marlin Meat Market near Pottsville, PA, and in most supermarkets you can find Landis in the freezer section.

2 Sweet Onions (Mom used Bermuda onions, I like to use Vidalia) Chopped/Diced

2 Green Bell Peppers Chopped/Diced

12 oz. can of tomato sauce (Mom used Hunts)

1 cup of ketchup (Mom used Heinz)

2 tablespoons of A-1 Steak Sauce

1 level tablespoon of sugar

1 lb. of fresh sliced white American cheese from a Deli

6 fresh six inch steak or sub rolls (Mom got them from the former N.Y. Italian Bakery in Phillipsburg) I would suggest if you do not have a bakery, try the bakery section of the supermarket, the ones in the plastic bins, not in the plastic bag.

In a sauce pan, saute the chopped onions in the oil of your preference, (Mom used vegetable oil). Remove from pan and put aside. Add the chopped peppers to the pan and saute them, adding 1/3 of the sauteed onions to the peppers, add sauce, ketchup, sugar, and A1 sauce, and stir occasionally for 20-30 minutes over low heat in covered sauce pan.

In a large saute pan saute the chipped steak, breaking it apart using two forks pulling in opposite directions (if using a Teflon pan, break up frozen chip steak using fingers into small pieces as you add it to the pan). Add the remainder of the sauteed onions to the steak, and stir through. Steak cooks quickly over medium heat about seven minutes. Add cheese and cover until cheese is melted. About three quarters of the way through cooking the steak, add sliced rolls to a 350 degree pre-heated oven to toast them.

Add steak to the roll, and top with sauce. If you prefer a steak without cheese leave the cheese off a portion of cooked meat or all of it. If you want it to be a hot steak add hot peppers that are found in the condiment section of most supermarkets.

If you choose to not make your own steaks and want to eat one that compares, and live in a 30 mile radius of Phillipsburg, NJ Crossroads Restaurant in Hellertown, PA just off the exit of Rt. 78, make a left and it is just down the road a few blocks. The next best steak is from Joe's Steak Shop on S. Main Street in Phillipsburg.

Quick Chicken Paprikash For Two

2012-01-10T10:25:00.000-08:00

In 2 qt saute pan, saute left over chicken enough for two, about two cups, and 1/2 small onion prefer Vidalia in 1/4 C. butter/Smart Balance

Season with onion, garlic, powder, paprika, and salt seasoning I use Soul Seasoning (Dollar General 2 bottles for a dollar no MSG)

Add one cup of sour cream, and one cup of milk, I use 1% and it works.

Stir bring to boil and add dumpling mixture [in a medium bowl add baking mix(Jiffy, Bisquick, I use Aldi's brand) and milk stirring until a soft dough forms.] and lower temp to lowest setting, until the dumplings are steamed (uncovered for 5 minutes. Cover pot and cook an additional 5 minutes.) Serve immediately.

"An oh so simple comfort food for a cold winter evening. A great way to use up left over chicken!"

For My Cousin Juli Ann In Heaven

2012-01-03T11:11:00.000-08:00

As written by Diane Dunwell- Hoffman
January 3, 2010
for
Julie Ann Lee Dirisio on her Seventh Birthday in Heaven

My Birthday in Heaven

Please celebrate this special day with love for those who are near,
As I am at peace with happiness divine, so please don't shed a tear.

Today was the day when on earth my life began that's true,
But on the day I left that plane, eternal life began anew.

Just as the song lives on each day in the coo of the mourning dove,
I celebrate with those who've passed with pure undying love,

There's only joy, and contentment, no room for sadness and pain,
Hold me in your heart, until that day, you hold me in your arms again.

If you are in danger from a Spouse there is help, click here.

To Be Or Not To Be? Mayan Calendar Prediction

2012-01-02T11:40:00.000-08:00

One of my Facebook friends posted this question on her page: Curious. Is anyone putting any stock in the Mayan prediction about 12/21/12?

Here is my answer:

Johann Conrad Beissel created the Ephrata Cloister in PA and thought the end was very near, the year was 1732. He had the members sleeping on thin board with wooden blocks for pillows as so they could easily awake at Christ's return as the Bible stated"As a thief in the night." He had married couples who joined give up marital relations and sleep in separate quarters.Well, those that stayed died, were buried, and the group eventually disbanded. It is now a historical site to be toured. The end has been predicted many times in history. There have also been huge earthquakes many times in history as well as floods and crazy weather. Just live and as a follower of Christ myself, I pray and ask God to keep my family in His care. Just think TODAY the world ended for many and their names will be in obituary columns tomorrow. Live, love, and let live. That is all we can do about any of it.

Great Advice For The New Year From Miguel Ruiz...

2012-01-01T06:47:00.000-08:00

The Four Agreements

“1. Be Impeccable With Your Word
Speak with integrity. Say only what you mean. Avoid using the word to speak against yourself or to gossip about others. Use the power of your word in the direction of truth and love.

2. Don't Take Anything Personally
Nothing others do is because of you. What others say and do is a projection of their own reality, their own dream. When you are immune to the opinions and actions of others, you won't be the victim of needless suffering.

3. Don't Make Assumptions
Find the courage to ask questions and to express what you really want. Communicate with others as clearly as you can to avoid misunderstandings, sadness and drama. With just this one agreement, you can completely transform your life.

4. Always Do Your Best
Your best is going to change from moment to moment; it will be different when you are healthy as opposed to sick. Under any circumstance, simply do your best, and you will avoid self-judgment, self-abuse and regret.”
― Miguel Ruiz

http://www.goodreads.com/author/quotes/4402.Miguel_Ruiz

Diane is also featured on goodreads.com http://www.goodreads.com/search?query=diane%20dunwell-hoffman

In Memory Of One Man On His Birthday in Heaven

2011-12-31T08:11:00.001-08:00

I suppose that there are those
Who'll say he had it easy
Had it made in fact
Before hed even begun
But they dont know the things I know
I was always with him
It may sound strange
We were more than friends

Its hard to tell the truth
When no one wants to listen
When no one really cares
Whats going on
And its hard to stand alone
When you need someone beside you
Your spirit and your faith
They must be strong

What one man can do is dream
What one man can do is love
What one man can do is change the world
And make it young again
Here you see what one man can do

As shaded as his eyes might be
Thats how bright his mind is
Thats how strong his love
For you and me
A friend to all the universe
Grandfather of the future
And everything I would like to be

What one man can do is dream
What one man can do is love
What one man can do is change the world
And make it young again
Here you see what one man can do

What one man can do is dream
What one man can do is love
What one man can do is change the world
And make it young again
Here you see what one man can do

Words and music by John Denver

A Prayer For An Unknown Man

2011-12-28T19:10:00.000-08:00

An Excerpt from my diary: January 1, 2008

Today while driving my granddaughter home to New Jersey, I must admit that I was feeling a little sorry for myself. I had such a long drive ahead and I wasn't feeling very well.

Suddenly, my daughter Jennifer asked, "Is that a intravenous bag hanging in the rear window of that white car just ahead?" I peered and replied that I too thought that it looked like an IV bag. We commented back and forth with our thoughts on why it was there. One was a sick pet, another a sick person. My daughter works at a hospital and didn't think that a patient would be released with an IV still in them.

Whatever the reason the driver was speeding and soon was out of sight. A few more miles down the road I noticed the car pulled onto the shoulder. The back door was open and a balding man was throwing up out the door.

My ailments are cumbersome, but not life threatening. Sometimes I get depressed because my life had taken a downward turn in 2004 when I injured my spine,the nerves in my leg and arm, and have RSDS. But, this unknown man in the car on the side of the road gave me a new perspective to how I felt today.

I wondered why the inhabitants of this white car were hurrying down this interstate highway on the first day of 2008 with such a sick passenger. I pray for them that they get safely to their destination, and that they find peace and comfort waiting for them. I pray for this man's healing whoever he may be.

May you all find peace and comfort with a total healing this year.

May The Blessing Of Peace Be With You This Christmas and Always

2011-12-25T07:16:00.001-08:00

Come they told me pa-rum-pum-pum-pum
A new-born king to see pa-rum-pum-pum-pum
Our finest gifts we bring pa-rum-pum-pum-pum
Rum-pum-pum-pum, rum-pum-pum-pum

Come they told me pa-rum-pum-pum-pum
A new-born king to see pa-rum-pum-pum-pum
Our finest gifts we bring pa-rum-pum-pum-pum
to lay before the king pa-rum-pum-pum-pum
Rum-pum-pum-pum, rum-pum-pum-pum
so to honour him pa-rum-pum-pum-pum
when we come

Little baby pa-rum-pum-pum-pum
I stood beside him there pa-rum-pum-pum-pum
I played my drum for him pa-rum-pum-pum-pum
I played my best for him pa-rum-pum-pum-pum
Rum-pum-pum-pum, rum-pum-pum-pum
And he smiled at me pa-rum-pum-pum-pum
me and my drum

Peace on Earth, can it be
Years from now, perhaps we'll see
See the day of glory
See the day, when men of good will
Live in peace, live in peace again

Peace on Earth, can it be
Every child must be made aware
Every child must be made to care
Care enough for his fellow man
To give all the love that he can

I pray my wish will come true
For my child and your child too
He'll see the day of glory
See the day when men of good will
Live in peace, live in peace again

Peace on Earth, can it be
Can it be

Happy Holidays or Merry Christmas?

2011-12-23T08:50:00.000-08:00

I say Merry Christmas, but would also say Happy Hanukkah to those who celebrate Hanukkah. I do not wish to force my religion on anyone, but to me the actual Jesus Christ came with the message of Unconditional Love and Peace and that is a wonderful message to spread to anyone. It is man who has misconstrued the meaning of his birth, life, and death. The Pharisees instigated his death, because he did not subscribe to their philosophy and interpretation of laws. He told them the greatest law was to Love God your Father with all your heart and soul and your neighbor as yourself. I also know that Jesus would have celebrated Hanukkah.

The best gifts to give this season is unconditional love, acceptance, and forgiveness. I have heard judgmental people who claim to be Christians say we should not put up a Christmas tree or spread the belief in Santa Clause. Well to them I say, "Yes, Jesus gives us our gifts and one of them was Santa Clause!" My Godmother always said, "Your Christmas Tree is your Christmas Card to Jesus!" When I decorate my tree each ornament has a meaning and a memory, some from when my girls were children, some from those who have since passed on. Decorating my tree is a heart warming, loving experience. Christ was all for Love and Peace not creating drama over tradition! Say whatever you feel good about saying! Merry Christmas!

Re-Post One of my favorite poems at Christmastime

2011-12-19T07:46:00.001-08:00

Annie and Willie's Prayer, One of my favorite Christmas Poems

Written by Sophia Snow

Twas the eve before Christmas, good night had been said,

And Annie and Willie had crept into bed.

There were tears on their pillows, and tears in their eyes,

And each little bosom was heaving with sighs,

For tonight their stern father's command had been given

That they should retire precisely at seven

Instead of at eight--for they troubled him more

With questions unheard of than ever before.

He had told them he thought this delusion a sin,

No such creature as "Santa Claus", ever had been

And he hoped, after this, he would never more hear

How he scrambled down chimneys with presents each year.

And this was the reason that two little heads
so restlessly tossed on their soft, downy beds.

Eight, nine and the clock on the steeple tolled ten,

Not a word had been spoken by either till then.

When Willie's sad face from the blanket did peep,

And whispered, "Dear Annie, is you fast asleep?"

Why no, brother Willie," a sweet voice replies,

"I've long tried in vain, but I can't shut my eyes,

For somehow it makes me so sorry because

Dear Papa has said that there is no "Santa Claus."

"Now we know that there is, and it can't be denied,

For he came every year before Mama died.

But, then, I've been thinking that she used to pray,

And God would hear everything Mama would say,

And maybe she asked him to send Santa Claus here

With that sackful of presents he brought every year."

"Well,why can't we pray just as Mama did then,

And ask God to send him with presents again?"

"I've been thinking so to," and without a word more

Four little bare feet bounded out on the floor,

And four little knees the soft carpet pressed,

And two tiny hands were clasped close to each breast.

"Now, Willie, you know we must firmly believe

That the presents we ask for we're sure to receive:

You must wait very still till I say the 'Amen,'

And by that you will know that your turn has come then."
"Dear Jesus, look down on my brother and me,

And grant us the favor we are asking of thee.

I want a wax dolly, a tea set, and ring,

And an ebony work box that shuts with a spring.

Bless Papa, dear Jesus, and cause him to see

That Santa Claus loves us as much as does he,

Don't let him get fretful and angry again

At dear brother Willie and Annie, Amen"

"Please Jesus, let Santa Claus come down tonight,

and bring us some presents before it is light,

I want he should div' me a nice little sled,

With bright shinin' runners, and all painted red;

A box full of candy, a book and a toy,

and then, dear Jesus, I'll be a good boy.Amen"

Eight, nine and the little French clock had struck ten,

Ere the father had thought of his children again.

He seems now to hear Annie's half suppressed sighs,

And to see the big tears stand in Willie's blue eyes.

"I was harsh with my darlings," he mentally said,

"And should not have sent them so early to bed,

But then I was troubled, my feelings found vent,

For bank stock today has gone down ten percent.

But of course they've forgotten their troubles ere this,

And that I denied then the trice asked for kiss,

But, just to make sure, I'll go up to their door,

For I never spoke harshly to my darlings before."

So saying, he softly ascended the stairs,

And arrived at the door to hear both of their prayers.

His Annie's "Bless Papa" drew forth the big tears,

And Willie's grave promise fell sweet on his ears.

"Strange-strange-I'd forgotten," said he with a sigh,

"How I longed when a child, to have Christmas draw nigh."

"I'll atone for my harshness" he inwardly said,

"By answering their prayers ere I sleep in my bed."

Then he turned to the stairs and softly went down,

Threw off velvet slippers and silk dressing gown,

Donned hat, coat and boots, and was out in the street,

A millionaire facing the cold, driving sleet!

Nor stopped he until he bought everything

From the box full of candy to the tiny gold ring.

Indeed, he kept adding so much to his store,

That the various presents outnumbered a score.

Then homeward he turned, with his holiday load,

With Aunt Mary's help, in the nursery was stowed.

Miss Dolly was seated beneath a pine tree,

By the side of a table spread out for her tea.

A work box well fitted in the center was laid,

And on it the ring for which Annie had prayed.

A soldier in uniform stood by a sled

"With bright shinning runners and all painted red."

There were balls, dogs, and horses books pleasing to see,

And birds of all colors were perched in the tree!

While Santa Claus, laughing, stood at the top,

as if getting ready more presents to drop.

As the fond father the picture surveyed,

He thought for his trouble he had amply been paid,

And he said to himself, as he brushed off a tear,

"I'm happier tonight than I've been in a year.

I've enjoyed more pure pleasure than ever before,

What care I if bank stocks fall ten per cent more.

Hereafter, I'll make it a rule, I believe

To have Santa Claus visit us each Christmas Eve."

So thinking, he gently extinguished the light,

And tripping down stairs, retired for the night.
As soon as the beams of the bright morning sun

Put the darkness to flight, and the stars one by one,

Four little blue eyes out of sleep opened wide,

And at the same moment the presents espied,

They out of their bed they sprang with a bound,

And the very gifts prayed for were all of them found.

They laughed and they cried, in their innocent glee,

And shouted for Papa to come quick and see

What presents Old Santa Claus brought in the night

Just the things that they wanted and left before light.

"And now," added Annie, in a voice soft and low,

"You'll believe there's a 'Santa Claus', Papa I know."

While dear little Willie climbed up on his knee.

Determined no secret between them should be,

And told him soft whispers how Annie had said

That their dear, blessed Mama, so long ago dead,

Used to kneel down by the side of her chair,

And that God up in heaven had answered her prayers.

"Then we dot up and prayed dust well as we could,

And God answered our prayers,now wasn't he good?"

"I should say that he was, if he sent you all these,

And knew just what presents my children would please.

"Well, well, let him think so, the dear little elf,
it would be cruel to tell him I did it myself."

Blind father! Who caused your stern heart to relent,
and the hasty words spoken so soon to repent?
Twas the being who bade you to steal softly upstairs,
and made you his agent to answer their prayers.

A Few Beach Pictures Cape Canaveral Beach

2011-12-08T08:03:00.000-08:00

Please Check Back For Amazing Vacation Photos

2011-11-28T08:10:00.000-08:00

The Sun is shining the grass is green the orange and palm trees sway....

Heading out to where the sun is shining, the grass is still green, the trees still have leaves, flowers are blooming, and the temps are in the 80s for three weeks of rest and relaxation. Spending time with friends and family too!
Vacation November 28th-December 18th

I am very busy with so much to do and see with so many lovely family members and friends, but will keep trying to post the photos as often as I can.

First Florida Upload

Second Florida Upload-Royanna's Pool

Third Florida Upload, Park, Beach with Aunt Essie, Christmas lights, Gecko in Christmas Tree

Just In Time For Christmas, written by my friend David Zippel

2011-11-27T07:06:00.000-08:00

One of my favorite Christmas songs was written by an old friend David Zippel. To learn more about David go to my blog at Blue Mountain Road and read about this amazing lyricist: http://bluemountainroad.blogspot.com/2011/11/david-zippel-local-legend-and-my-friend.html

Why not have a man of the Hebrew Faith write a beautiful and poignant song about Christmas? Dave joins the ranks of Irving Berlin/ White Christmas, and Ralph Blane and Hugh Martin/Have Yourself A Merry Little Christmas. Here is a list of many other Jewish Lyricists who wrote wonderful Christmas songs: http://www.interfaithfamily.com/arts_and_entertainment/popular_culture/The_Jews_Who_Wrote_Christmas_Songs_2010.shtml

Just In Time For Christmas

Lyrics David Zippel, Music David Friedman

They had decked the malls and trimmed the town with plastic trees
Till the world was just a giant retail maze
Tis the season when you turn your thoughts to people you can't please
When you measure passing time in shopping days
And the holidays were something to get through
But the thing I hadn't counted on was you

Just in time for Christmas you came along
Just in time for Christmas when everything felt wrong
And I was sure my faith had all run out
Just in time for Christmas you showed me what Christmas is about

What I needed most could not be bought at any price
I was far to disillusioned then to see
I was going through the motions made a list and checked it twice and forgot to write down anything for me
But my long unspoken wishes had been heard
And an unexpected miracle occurred.

Just in time for Christmas one silent night
Just in time for Christmas you filled my life with light
And there was joy where there had once been doubt
Just in time for Christmas you showed me what Christmas is about

And all at once the bells began to ring
and hark the herald I heard angels sing
Whom am I to resist their call
You brought me the greatest gift of all

and now my spirits sing
just in time my heart is caroling
From deep within my soul I want to shout
Just in time for Christmas
Just in time for Christmas
Just in time for Christmas you showed me what Christmas is about

This video is of poor quality but the voice of the late Nancy LaMott is the BEST!

Walp's PA Dutch Bacon Dressing

2011-11-26T10:10:00.001-08:00

Yields 1 quart

8 slices bacon,
fried crisp
4 eggs
1/2 cup sour cream
1/2 cup heavy cream
1 cup white vinegar
1 cup sugar
1 tsp salt
2 heaping tbsp flour

Fry bacon until crisp. Crumble bacon when cooled. set bacon and bacon fat aside. Mix dry ingredients thoroughly, add beaten eggs, beat. Combine sour cream, heavy cream, and vinegar, and heat in double boiler, add egg mixture, bacon fat, and crumbled bacon. Cook and stir until thick and smooth. Server warm over chopped ice berg lettuce, endive, dandelion, or other greens.

My mother who is of PA Dutch heritage, cut the strips of bacon into small pieces before frying, fried, added apple cider vinegar and sugar, made flour water mixture as for gravy, added it to the bacon/vinegar mixture in the pan, stirred until thick. Which was most likely what the real PA Dutch would do. Walps recipe seems more French than PA Dutch.