EVERY DAY MATTERS

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Wed, 03 Apr 2013 04:22:00 +0000

April 3, 2013

Freedom of speech is one of the most wonderful assets we have gained as Americans as a result of our Constitution and The Declaration of Independence. I just wanted to share my heart and feelings about some thoughts that are very heavy on my mind and in my heart right now.

I posted all of the following to my Facebook Timeline and I also wanted to share it here on my Blog. In the event that the comment field on Facebook might not afford the space to my lengthy words I am posting it here for that reason. I have also made a notation on Facebook with a link to this Blog of mine that if my comments could not all be read to visit right here to see everything.

Several people made comments to my initial post on Facebook, and you are more than welcome to view everything inclduding comments back on my Facebook Timeline. If you are not on my Facebook list as of present and wish to read everything in its entirety please let me know your Facebook name in full and I will be happy to add you as a friend. Then you can freely go to my TimeLine.

Every Day Does Matter!

Here is my initial post just before Easter and following after that is the post I have just written today. Also please be sure to read the letter in which Mr. Harold B.Estes (deceased 2011) Retired U.S. Navy had written to President Obama. It is on my Timeline as well. along with my pre Easter Facebook post.

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Hi Everyone,

I have thought hard and long about sharing this post which I read today. I had been wavering back and forth about sharing because I know that things of a political nature can bring out the best or the worst in some people, and my intent is not to gain enemies, nor does my sharing of this post necessarily mean I am looking for new friends. My true friends know who they are and are always with me no matter what we are thinking politically, and we may not agree on everything which is perfectly fine with each other. I was actually quite taken in by Mr. Este's post on Facebook which I read today and yes I decided to go ahead and share his post after all. There is a lot to be said here about Mr. Este's thoughts and feelings and especially for me as a U.S.Navy Veteran.

I have encountered quite a lot of anti-Americanism over the 15 years that I have lived here in New Zealand. I began thinking it was just a New Zealand thing. Then I started to do a lot of reading about the mind set of Americans under our present administration as well as the mind set of other people living outside of America, and New Zealand and have found some extraordinary results. I should take a moment to mention that although I live in New Zealand I am an American through and through. I was born a Yankee from Queens New York and I am proud to say that I am still a Yankee...always was....always will be. You can take the girl out of the country, but you can't take the country out of the girl. In much of my reading and talking with people I found that people always in the past would look up to America like a big brother, but things have changed so quickly over the past few years and from what I can see so many people are looking down at America.....the people and the government. There are millions of people...but only one government in America. Now who is responsible for the so called "lack luster' state of affairs in America?......the people or the government? Can millions of wonderful people in all of America all be wrong? There are good and bad things taking place in America everyday. But hey, guess what? There are good and bad things happening in every country, city and town all over the world every day. But why is America now the bad apple in the barrel? Could it be that non Americans are too quick to listen to negative comments about our country, especially when many of those comments are those which are coming right from our own president? When I hear or see interviews and speeches on the television with Obama, I often get the feeling that he is ashamed of the American people. Gosh, not every American is a drug dealer or someone commiting crimes or someone out there shooting innocent school children. Yes there are significant problems, I admit, but with every person in America or elsewhere commiting horrendous acts there are millions more that are not. I think for any president to consider himself or herself a decent leader, they should reassess the negatives and accentuate the positives, not withstanding, however, the negatives should be dealt with accordingly and praise given where praise is due. In my humble opinion it is about time Obama put his money where his mouth is and start realizing that America is still a wonderful country as a whole and to stand by that for the duration of his administration. Who needs a leader who hates the country he is residing over. Sounds all to hypocritical to me. I am not asking anyone to 'share' this, nor am I asking anyone to 'like' this. I am merely just expressing my opinion....and not looking at all to start an argument. One thing though if you have another minute or so, please read the post from Mr. Estes. I won't mind at all if you have other opinions and feel free to share if you like. I am not here to convert...but merely "just sayin"! Hugs From Patti P.S. America I am with you through thick and thin! And by the way, don't worry America......Israel is behind you...just some last minute food for thought!

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Post of April 3, 2013 by Patti Hoesten-Watts to my Facebook Timeline New Zealand time.

Dear Friends,

I had wanted to make a couple of more comments on this topic, and I do apologize for the couple of days that have lapsed, but since it was Easter weekend I just wanted to vegge out and relax, and not have to think of all the problems going on in America and around the world for a couple of days. Firstly I wanted also to mention that Mr. Harold B. Estes, who was the aformentioned individual in my post who sent the letter to Obama, had passed away in 2011. http://www.hawaiireporter.com/a-great-patriot-harold-b-estes-u-s-navy-ret/123. I would have just loved to shake his hand for having the spirited initiative to express his feelings to Obama, and his letter of which he may not have ever even realized would have been read by so many people around the world. He was truly a very gifted man and a true Patriot in every sense of the word. I thank all of you for your comments on this thread by the way, and I have just a couple of items to respond to. I wholeheartedly agree with Robert in regards to America being a Christian nation, and as goes the Christian principles set forth by our founding Fathers. And thank you by the way Robert for mentioning part of the poem embedded inside the pedestal of The Statue of Liberty with our great Lady with the Torch. It is obviously true that America has alway been a melting pot' for people of all different beliefs too, and that is so perfectly fine with me...but do remember that Christianity's basic tenants boil down to "Love One Another". John 13:34-35...."A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another... by this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another.” That indeed is what Christianity is all about, and it is because of Christianity that America has so widely opened their arms and harbors to millions of people...individuals of all different races and creeds. And while yes, this is a nation consisting of Jews, Hindus, Buddhists, Moslems and many other creeds, it is from Christian principles that made this possible for people of all different religions to exist here. Also, as far as oppression of women and slavery, I personally...and I say personally, I don't feel in my heart that Amercia was actually built on slavery and opression to women. Oppression and slavery were around since time immemorial even before our Constitution and before our Declaration of Independence were ever written. America became the wonderful country that she is because of great people like Abraham Lincoln who abolished slavery.....and amazing people like Susan B. Anthony and Elizabeth Cady Stanton who contributed greatly to make it possible for women to vote today for example. I think I may have mentioned in my previous posts that there are many problems that America still faces...just like any other country, and many people wonder why it takes so long for any good to come to a country/nation. Firstly, we will never see world peace, probably never in our generation, because we need leaders that understand the problems thorougly, seeking not only the advice from administrative figureheads in America, but also seeking input from leaders of other countries but Also Seeking Input From The 'Real People' That Make America And Other People Around The World. What I dislike so much is seeing a President that always seems like he is on a campaigning mission, trying to win and influence people over with speech after speech and interview after interview. The election is over already! All that time and energy spent for what? I would think that much more could be accomplished by sticking to the Oval Office and solving problems that are at hand. Some of you may laugh or even be outraged by my following statement, but it would at least be an indication to me that even someone is reading this continuous thread. I am not bashing the President in the usual sense of the word. Actually it is directly the opposite. I love Barack Obama. It is what most Christians call 'Agape Love' ...unconditional love...the love of fellow man! No one can take that away from me because it is my nature as a Christian to love everyone. But what I have endeavored to point out is that I 'DISLIKE ' some of the things that Obama is doing or not doing to strengthen America and to strive for peace, and being the kind of President that we need during these turbulent times. If anyone thinks that the state of affairs in America as well as the rest of the world is bad now.....just wait. 'You ain't seen nothing yet, baby'. It is scary to think I/We are living through all the fighting going on around us and just nothing that I can do about it personally except pray, and to know that many of my brothers and sisters in the Armed Forces are being killed in the name of 'PEACE' is so mindboggling..... and the same for other countries. Anyway we need to dig way down inside of our souls and perhaps even be the next 'Harold B. Estes', and write to Obama expressing our feelings about the problems we face ahead of us in America and the rest of the world. There is nothing like a good old fashioned 'love letter'. Let's be heard...let's join hands in the face of friendship and start the 'Peace' right in our own back yards. If millions would open up their feelings to The White House , it just may be a start....just sayin! One letter is not enough, and a handshake to Obama in a crowded auditorium will not solve the problems of the world either. It goes much farther than that. If you are not into writing letters, that is perfectly fine, and I am not even saying that writing letters to Obama is a surefire answer either. But we must each strive in our own ways to promote 'PEACE'....starting within our hearts with our families and Friends and Neighbors. Only then can world peace be more than a vision we can only dream about. And thank you dear Robin for your comments as well, and I agree with you too that it does not matter now what happened in the past...it is firmly what we can all do about the future.....if there will ever be one for each of us. Well I have gone off on a long tangent here but I just wanted to finish off my thoughts about my original Facebook post. I am also going to be placing my comments on my 'Every Day Matters Blog in the event that for some reason my words are too lengthy and won't all fit into the comment section of my post. By the way, for some reasons unbeknown to me some of my posts have been erradicated from my timeline which is why I am also choosing to add this to my Blog. Here is my Blog page: http://everydaymatters-patricia.blogspot.co.nz/ I had not been posting very much to my Blogs for quite some time due to some serious health issues, but since I have several Blogs including a Food Blog, Inspirational Blog, Christian Blog, Chocolate Blog etc in which you can find links for them on my 'Everyday Matters Blog on the right hand side of the page as you scroll down. I am doing my best to start to be more active now since I have been give an almost clean bill of health by my Doctors. Please feel free to comment either on my Blog or on FaceBook if you wish. Sorry if I have ruffled and feathers but I just had to share from my heart. Take care my friends and be well. Much love from Patti in New Zealand.

Happy New Year Friends

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Sun, 10 Feb 2013 14:28:00 +0000

Photo Of The Week

My Life Is Full Of Favorite Things

One Is The Flamingo

It has been such a long...very long time since I have posted, but one thing for certain is that I am so happy I did not delete my Blog pages all together, as I am about to start blogging again. I had some very serious health issues over the past couple of years which eventually resulted in a spinal fusion this past August. My recovery was relatively a slow one and one with too many restrictions. I was unable to sit comfortably for more than a few minutes at a time and spent many a day flat on my back staring at the ceiling. I am still in physiotherapy which will still go on for many more weeks. Soon I will be starting hydro therapy in our hospital's physio pool and I am looking forward to that for sure.

So much has happened since 2010 but I would like to begin afresh and it is good to be be back with everyone. Little by little I will be revamping my Blog as I think some new changes are evident, but for tonight I am just getting my feet wet once again and I will be into full swing soon. I see that there have been a huge number of people reading my existing Blog over the past two years....even in my absence and I truly thank you for that, and it is one of the main reasons I have to start blogging once again. I have missed it so much and I will endeavor to make my posts enjoyable and interesting.

In the meantime.....do something special for yourself!

Hugs From Patricia In New Zealand

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Thu, 18 Mar 2010 08:28:00 +0000

July 18, 1950 - February 21, 2010

FROM RIGHT TO LEFT MARGARET AND PATTI

My dearly departed loving friend Margaret Adkins has gone home to be with the Lord. Margaret was a long time friend from America. I had always known Margaret to be so much fun to be around. I enjoyed her company and her fantastic sense of humor. Her thoughtfulness and kind-heartedness were two of her many valuable traits that I will miss the most. Rest In Peace My Friend.

For All The Adkins Family

Do not stand at my grave and forever weep. I am not there;

I do not sleep. I am a thousand winds that blow. I am the diamond glints on snow. I am the sunlight on ripened grain. I am the gentle autumn’s rain. When you awaken in the morning’s hush I am the swift uplifting rush of quiet birds in circled flight. I am the soft stars that shine at night. Do not stand at my grave and forever cry. I am not there. I did not die.

~ Author Unknown

Thought Of The Week: Happiness

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Sun, 07 Mar 2010 05:15:00 +0000

Thought Of The Week

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Tue, 23 Feb 2010 09:35:00 +0000

SEND A FRIEND A MESSAGE TODAY

A Valentine Desktop Wallpaper For You

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Wed, 10 Feb 2010 16:13:00 +0000

I often create computer Desktop Wallpapers, mainly because I enjoy doing them so much. Here is one for Valentine's Day which you may snag and feel free to use on your own computer. Just 'click' on the small image to see the enlarged size, and then just 'right click' on that one and save to a folder on your hard drive. The wallpaper is made for a screen resolution of 1024 X 768, but feel free to resize to accomodate your own screen. Do take a look at the enlarged size as the smaller image does not do the wallpaper any justice at all.

Enjoy!

Patricia

THOUGHT OF THE WEEK

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Wed, 10 Feb 2010 15:39:00 +0000

Is There Hope For All The Victims Of Haiti's Earthquake?

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Wed, 20 Jan 2010 04:15:00 +0000

Free To Disagree

Earlier today I entered a post on Facebook making a remark about President Obama. To view my remark follow me on Facebook (Patti Hoesten-Watts) and add me as a friend. Feel free to disagree. This is what 'Freedom Of Speech' is all about. Don't worry I won't be the least bit offended if you disagree.
One of the greatest things about America is that we have Freedom of Speech which many countries do not have. Just because I made a statement about Obama in no way represents the American people, nor did my statement mean that everything about Obama represents disconnectedness or incongruity. There are flaws in all governments and this is one of the times I see a flaw in the American government. For a country that has sent men to the moon and men and woman to conquer the outreaches of space and the universe and the depths of the mighty oceans and seas.....there is definitely something missing here. There are precious hard working people of America and other countries that have raised tens of millions of dollars to aid the people in Haiti as a result of the recent earthquake. The fact that America is the most powerful country in the world and one of the richest countries in the world, why is it that the 'powers that be' have not pushed more of a move to "MAKE THIS WORK' than we are already seeing in Haiti. I have never seen so much chaos in my entire life. I have been following the news explicity since the earthquake covering reports from all of the major new providers here and abroad. This is such a sham from what I have been able to see...unless of course the ' media powers that be' in their corporate arm chairs are only letting us see what they want us to see.....then this is more of a sham to dupe the American people and the millions of other kind-hearted people throughout this world. If this is the case then we have all been duped...and doomed forever.If you think that something should be done to quicken the process to help save lives then pick up your phone and raise a stink. Call your local politicians and raise some hell or send an e-mail to the Whitehouse.

(http://www.whitehouse.gov/administration/president-obama/)

Don't be the one that doesn't call. If enough people read this then GOD willing (and I stress GOD not 'god') something just might happen. Take a stand this time, and really make your thoughts known. Let's see proof of the pudding.

Feel free to e-mail me if needed at:

patricia.watts.worldpeaceconsortium@gmail.com

What would be so great to see if you want to be counted as one who made the difference copy and paste this message into your Facebook status for a couple of hours, then pick up the phone and do the right thing.
And for just one time...Throw Political Correctness Out The Window!

Love and Hugs To Everyone Who Reads This Message.

Patricia A. Watts ©

~Feel Free To Disagree~

All Comments Warmly Accepted

Feel Free To Click On To The Following Link For A Video On The Israeli Defense Force Field Hospital in Haiti Which Was So Refreshing To See. Thank you COL. Doctor Kryce to you and your team and thanks Geraldo. Godspeed to all of you!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eDB2LfViVYo

October Is Breast Cancer Awareness Month

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Wed, 02 Sep 2009 03:07:00 +0000

Well Spring is in the air here in New Zealand, but I am imagining that many of you in other parts of the world are sad to see the Summer come to an end. So much for the picnics and barbecues. As quickly as September has arrived October will be just right around the corner, and I am putting out a little reminder that October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month. Having said that I have designed a free Breast Cancer Awarenss Desktop Wallpaper for your computer. I have had a lot of good feedback over the past couple of years for the ones I have made, and I hope you will feel free to help yourself by just clicking on the image above. When the image is enlarged just right click on the image with your mouse and 'Save As' and choose a folder on your hard drive in which to save it. Then you can go from there to place it as a wallpaper on your computer. For those that may never have done this before and need some help as to how to have it show up on your screen, just message me and I will send you a brief mini tutorial on how to do it. It is extremely easy and you should not have any difficulty with it at all. All I would ask in return is that if you had just one minute to spare that you would go to The Breast Cancer Site at

http://www.thebreastcancersite.com/clickToGive/home.faces?siteId=2

and take 1 second to click the button on the homepage. By doing so free mammograms are made available to women which are paid by sponsors who advertise with The Breast Cancer Site. You can go back and click each day if you wish. It is just something special we can do to help this cause. And please feel free to pass on my Blog address to others that might also enjoy having this Destop Wallpaper. By the way the size of this wallpaper will accomodate screens with 1024 X 768 resolutions. Feel free to resize if needed.

Thank you!

Sincerely,

Patti

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Tue, 21 Jul 2009 03:00:00 +0000

The Creature Of The Night ©

Another bleak and sleepless night.

Shadows of a fractured nightmare linger on the fragile spine of the nocturnal creature that sits beside my computer in the palm of my innermost thoughts.

At last, the once frightened creature of the night now slumbers restfully on his pad, as the sound of slurping coffee is heard faintly in the echoes of a tiresome yawn.

© Patti Watts July 17, 2009

The Spectrum

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Tue, 14 Jul 2009 04:24:00 +0000

THE SPECTRUM ©

by Patti Hoesten-Watts

How mightily life's sword thrusts between the eyes, like fierce hailstones clamoring onto the unsuspecting pavement below. Is life all that it seems, or do we quietly and patiently sit by the window awaiting the joy of a rainbow in the formidable sky? What colors the spectrum of this rainbow? Perhaps a fiery red heart? What difference if it is not Valentine's Day. A green light signaling that one's line is not busy? A note of friendship written on the pale blue parchment paper hidden beneath the pile of promises to keep? The violet fragrance of the 'forget-me-not'? The yellow-orange butterfly heralding a season...a new season to help give wings to the fragile and the forgotten. As the rainbow gradually fades from view, so goes to, the concealed treasures that once could be found at the points at the ends of the spectrum.

Once again the new gale brings winds of hope; the hailstones which once pained, like tears on a sore and sorry eye now dwell on a sea of tranquility.... as a new colorful rainbow looms in the distance. ©

Outdoor Kennels And How To Climatize Your Pets

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Sat, 20 Jun 2009 08:17:00 +0000

Each year I dread the pitfalls of the winter months, especially for our two outdoor cats. We have three cats, one who spends a good deal of time in the house, but the other two are outdoor cats. Both Breezy Boy and Chloe were strays that found their way to us and have adopted us. They are very skittish about coming in the house, even though we would love for them to make our home theirs just like our dear old girl Fluffy. But they do prefer to stay outdoors even during the cold winter months. We wound up purchasing an outdoor kennel for them which they love and they enjoy being in there especially on cold nights. I suspect they even enjoy it more now since my husband "Climatized" the kennel for them a few months ago. The photos depict what my husband designed to make it warmer for them. You can read the following which my husband wrote of how it warms them during our cold winter days and nights.

PLASTIC PET KENNEL INSULATION

Help keep your pet comfortable on a cold night. Two of our cats prefer to sleep outside (strange I know!) but they are semi-wild. As is usual with cats, they adopted us as their lifelong carers. We purchased a plastic kennel and placed it alongside a bordering fence a few metres along the path from our front doorway where there was some wind shelter provided by a wall between us and the neighbouring property. However, the kennel is a bare plastic shell and while it provides cover from rain and hail it does a poor job of keeping the animals warm during cold winter nights.
The photo shows a simple addition to the kennel using some kitchen foil and some old polystyrene foam packing material which will keep your pet warmer on those cold nights. Three lengths of foam plastic are first completely wrapped with standard kitchen aluminium foil and the foil is held on using adhesive tape (sellotape) - just like wrapping a parcel. The foil-covered foam lengths are then taped to the inner surface of the lid of the kennel using any good quality masking tape or other adhesive tape with enough strength to carry the weight of the foam. Cover as little of the foil as possible when taping the foil-covered foam to the lid. Before taping the foam to the lid, thoroughly degrease and cleam the inside surface of the lid using methylated spirits or other alcohol (soapy water would probably do it as long as the lid is allowed to dry thoroughly before attempting to apply the masking tape.
How it works: the foam itself will form an insulating barrier on the lid by trapping inside warm air rising from the animal/s and adding greatly to the thickness of the lid. The real fix though is the foil - it will reflect your pet's radiated (lost) heat straight back at the animal. It is a bit like having a low power heater attached to the upper surface of the lid. You can feel the effect for yourself by putting a hand inside the kennel when the lid is replaced after fitting the insulation. In effect you have created an insulated mirror with a semi-circular cross-section. You could also line the lower sides of the kennel with foam as well but we put a folded sack covered with a towel on the floor for them to sleep on and this partially covers the sides.

So if you have outdoor pets and are concerned about ways to keep them warm during the winter, do give this a try. I have often checked them as they come out of the kennel in the morning and they are as warm as toast. It truly works!

Cheers!

Patricia

Always Look On The Bright Side Of Life

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Fri, 15 May 2009 19:13:00 +0000

Instead of complaining that the rosebush is full of thorns, be happy that the thorn bush has roses.

~Proverb

I was just thinking today about all the negativism going on in the world. It saddens me so that there is war, violence, crime, greed, hatred for others, bigotry, criticism, and well the list could go on from here to the moon. Isn't it about time that people woke up and realized that peace can never be achieved in this life unless we achieve that peace within ourselves first, and then when that peace has been ascertained we exude good feelings towards others.....and good thoughts and feelings are so contagious? Now I surely believe we will never see "Utopia", but we have to begin somewhere in our quest for world peace. Let it be.... even if it be in our own hearts. IMHO there are more people worthy of a good pat on the back, a gentle hug, a smile, a little kind word or two, then those few who may not necesarily be on our favorite's list. It would be sheer bliss if people would spend their efforts concentrating on the wonderfully positive side of life rather than adding more negativism to this already gloomy world some think we live in. Life is short....let's make it brighter!

Cheers!

Patricia

Ouch! It Hurts!

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Fri, 08 May 2009 10:58:00 +0000

Well Summer is in the air for many of you, although it is just the beginning of Winter for me here in New Zealand....Grrrhhh!...and Brrrhhh! I just got to thinking today of how long it has been since I have done any blogging.....too long in fact. But I have needed some time for myself and some of my hobbies, and I have also just completed and extensive course over the past year in Medical Transcription. So I hope to be back to a more regular schedule now and look forward to doing a bit more blogging as well. Many thanks to so many of you who have faithfully kept up with the various RSS feeds on my Blog in my absence. I hope you have had some enjoyment along the way.

Well speaking of Summer I thought I would pass along some very interesting remedies I recently found for sunburn. It is that time of the year for many of you who love to go out and bake in the sun. Although I am definitely not a beach person, I can personally attest to the fact (and my Dermatologist would vouche for me on this too) that I have had skin cancer seven times. I spend little time outdoors in the sun except for driving and getting to and from my destination. I have to be so careful as I am extremely faired skin and burn to a crisp in minutes...no kidding. So the outdoors is not my cup of tea. I also heard not to long ago that New Zealand where I live has the highest level of UV rays in the world, and even sun in the winter months can be detrimental to the skin. Anyway I am a great believer now in prevention. But the the following are some fascinating remedies if you wind up with a sunburn....so there is something here for everyone. But be good to yourself and prevent sunburn.....AND various forms of skin cancer simply by prevention. Read about it here.

It is good to be back!

Cheers From Patricia

PREVENTION AND REMEDIES FOR SUNBURN

Prevention is the best remedy here, if you can. Long-termresults from excessive exposure to the sun, such as skincancer and wrinkled skin, can be avoided with properprecautions. One of the best preventatives is to use a sun-screen with an SPF of 30 that offers protection against bothUVA and UVB rays. You can get as much sun sightseeing asbaking at the beach, so use sunscreen whenever you areoutdoors.Use an aloe vera lotion containing a sunblock. This will cutout 90% of the burning rays and allow 75% of the tanning raysto reach the skin.To speed healing take the following supplements for a few days after getting burned: 1,000 mg of vitamin C, 400 I.U. ofvitamin E, 15 mg of beta carotene, and 1-2 tablespoons (or about 3 capsules per teaspoon) of flaxseed oil, an essential fatty acid.Caution: don't ever cover a sunburn that is blistered or open with an ointment, oil, salve or butter, for it will make the area susceptible to infection.

Remedies:

Aloe:

Take as many leaves as necessary from an aloe plant;refrigerate; peel off top layer of leaves; apply the side of the leaf with flesh exposed directly to the sunburn. Other remedies use aloe vera juice: for mild to medium sunburn, keep the affected area moist with aloe vera juice. Repeat frequently.This will reduce the pain and the amount of peeling. Aloe vera ointment works well, too, as it contains oil and will not evaporate. For a severe sunburn, keep the area moist at all times with aloe vera juice. Since aloe vera is an astringent, you may want to use aloe vera ointment or some sort of oil, such as olive or baby. Aloe is very effective in relieving pain and inflammation. Combine aloe juice with ½ the amount of vitamin E. Dab on thesunburn. Vitamin E is a good moisturizer.

Apple cider vinegar:

Apply apple cider vinegar to the burn with a cottonball, or make a cooling compress for a large area to relieve the pain. Keep the skin moistened. This remedy will prevent blistering and peeling.

Aspirin:

Aspirin kills the pain and reduces inflammation and redness of a sunburn. It short-circuits the whole sunburn process. It must be taken within 24 hours of getting sunburned. Aspirin is preferable to ibuprofen or acetaminophen because it is less stressful on the liver and kidneys. Or IbuProfen Not tylenol...it doesn't reduce imflamation...but does help with the pain

Baking soda:

Dissolve some baking soda in water and make acompress using a clean cloth. Another remedy is to add 1/2 cup of baking soda to a tepid bath and soak. Instead of drying the affected area with a towel, let it air dry. Baking soda is cooling and will help the skin retain moisture.

Baths:

Add 20 drops of each of lavender and chamomile essential oils to a tubful of cool water and soak for 10 minutes.

Cucumber:

Rub sunburned area with fresh cucumber slices. They are very cool and will soothe the area.

Epsom salts:

Dissolve epsom salts in water and make a compressusing a clean cloth.

Ice:

Apply ice or cold water to the burned area. This will stop the burning process and cool the skin.

Lavender:

Mix 20-25 drops of lavender oil in one cup of water and bathe the sunburned area.

Lemon Water:

Mix the juice of three lemons into two cups of cold water and sponge on the sunburn. The lemon will cool the burn, act as a disinfectant, and will promote healing of the skin.

Milk:

Make a compress of whole milk (or buttermilk) and apply to the burned area for 20 minutes; repeat every two to four hours. Wash the milk off so you won't smell sour! The fat content of the milk is soothing for burns.

Oatmeal:

Put some oatmeal in tepid bath water, soak for a few minutes, then air dry yourself.

Oil:

Cover the area with cooking oil and sprinkle powdered ginger on the oil. This will promote healing.

Onion:

Bruise an onion and rub on the burn.

Peppermint:

Apply peppermint oil to the sunburned skin. You can also make a mild peppermint infusion and use it as a wash to cool the sunburn.

Potato:

Grate a potato and apply it to the burned area. The starch will cool and soothe the burn.

Shower:

Take a warm shower to draw out the heat of your sunburn. The warm water will increase circulation to the area while hydrating it, thereby speeding the healing process.

Tea:

Make some tea, cool, and apply to the burn. While any tea may be beneficial, mint tea, such as peppermint or spearmint are especially good. The teas have tannins that help the healing process.

Yogurt:

Apply plain yogurt with live cultures, let it stand for a few minutes, then rinse off under cool water. Another remedy using yogurt is to mix equal parts of yogurt and mashed strawberries and apply to the sunburned area for 15 minutes. Rinse with cool water.

Caution! You may have sun poisoning if you experience chills,fever, or get blisters or a rash. See your physician!

Breast Cancer Awareness Month

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Wed, 15 Oct 2008 11:18:00 +0000

It has been a while since I have posted, but I have been busy with school over the past few months and trying to get caught up is never too easy. However since it is October I wanted to be sure to make a new Breast Cancer Awareness Wallpaper for those of you who might enjoy having a new one for your computer desktop. Just click on the above image to the enlarged size and save it to your computer. The size is 1024X768. Please feel free to resize if necessary. I hope you will enjoy this one.

I do hope to start back to some more regular blogging very shortly....just trying to get a little bit more organized with my schedule.

Thanks so very much for stopping by to read my blog and I will look forward to chatting with you all very soon.

Sincerely,

Patricia

Power Point Presentations And Slide Share

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Sun, 03 Aug 2008 04:22:00 +0000

Miscrosoft Power Point is a wonderful way to design and create the perfect slide show presentation of all your favorite photos or images to share with your family and friends. I receive so many lovely Power Point Presentations in my e-mail from friends and it is amazing how crisp and clear and especially professional everythng looks. Microsoft offers an excellent tutorial online which will take you step by step through each process, although the program is extremely user friendly and chances are you may not even need a tutorial. Here is the link to their tutorial if needed:

Microsoft Power Point Presentation Tutorial

If you already have Microsoft on your computer then you probably already have Power Point available for your use.

Once you have created your Presentation you will save it to your hard drive and you can easily attach the Presentation to your e-mails. Also note that if you are a Blogger you can also share your own Presentations or others on you personal blogs. You can do this by by visiting

SlideShare

It will only take just a couple of minutes to establish and account with them and then you can upload any of your favorite slide shows or presentations to their website. Once that part is completed you can grab the code to embed the Presentation/s of your choice on to your blog. The code can be easily pasted into your page element for java or html and you are all set.

Express Yourself Today.....Use Power Point and SlideShare!

Cheers!

Patricia

Sergeant Derek Wootton: Tragic Loss To Our Community

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Thu, 10 Jul 2008 23:05:00 +0000

I woke up this morning hearing the tragic news of one of our local Police Officers being struck down and killed at 3 a.m. this morning by a boy in a stolen vehicle as the Police Officer lay road spikes in a street not too far from where I live. I have been complaining for the past couple of years of the barage of incidents with "boy racers" in our area at all hours of both days and nights that never cease to try to show off of what they might think they can actually get away with. I have always felt myself that not enough was being done by the local authorities to try to diminish this serious problem that has affected all the members of our community. Unfortunately all it takes is one life for people to start to take notice. My heart goes out to all the family and loved ones of Sergeant Derek Wootton. His death is a tragic loss to our community and to all those who loved him.

The Dominion Post Article

LATEST: The police officer killed when he was hit by a stolen car in Titahi Bay, north of Wellington, early this morning was a 52 year old who had been in the force for 14 years. View video: Police officer killed on duty
Sergeant Derek Wootton joined the police in March 1994 and was a "very experienced frontline supervisor", Wellington Police District Commander Superintendent Pieri Munro said.
The officer was killed when he was struck by the car as he was laying road spikes in a street in the Porirua suburb about 3am.
Police believe the car had been stolen in a carjacking in the nearby Wellington suburb of Tawa earlier this morning.
Mr Munro said Mr Wootton's death was "a huge loss for his family, friends and police colleagues".
"It's a very sobering time for all police but we are part of a respected professional service. Our staff are grieving but Derek's tragic death is not stopping us from fulfilling our job of policing our communities."
A 32-year-old man is due to appear in Porirua District Court this morning charged with: aggravated robbery, relating to a carjacking in Tawa; dangerous driving; dangerous driving causing death; failing to stop after an accident; and a charge of kidnapping, relating to the second person in the vehicle, a 16 year old.
The car, which stopped on a homeowner's front section, remains in Dimock St covered by a tent as investigators study the crash scene.
A police-issue stab-proof vest, with a radio still attached, lay on the ground near where the officer was struck, a witness said.
Police have confirmed the stolen car, a black Honda Prelude, was being pursued when the officer was killed.
The officer becomes the 27th police officer to be killed in the line of duty.
A Dimock St resident said she woke to the brief sound of screeching tyres and then heard the thud of an impact.
"The next thing we knew we could see flashing lights, not sirens, just the lights going and they were coming closer and closer to our house."
Her partner ran out into the street and saw the officer lying badly injured on the ground. Within moments a female officer had arrived at the scene and began frantically performing CPR.
"She worked very hard for a long time, till the first ambulance arrived. They worked on him for at least 20 minutes."
The woman’s partner said he took blankets out for the officer and offered to help as the female officer performed CPR.
"It was absolutely horrible to watch," the female resident said.
"Horrible that this could happen anywhere ... but in your own street and rushing out to try and help. How could you live with yourself if you were the driver?"
Kapiti Mana police commander Inspector John Spence said the officer's tragic death in the line of duty has devastated colleagues. Welfare support is in place for the officer's family and for colleagues, especially those first to the scene.
The car, which had been carjacked in Tawa, went through the spikes and was stopped by police about 300m further up the street, he said.
CPR by police and ambulance officers were unsuccessful and the policeman died at the scene.
Two people who were in the offending vehicle are currently being spoken to by police.
Police were appealing for witnesses who may have seen the car being driven around the Elsdon and Titahi Bay areas.
Prime Minister Helen Clark said it was a tragedy and it was a very sad day for his family, the police force and all New Zealanders.
"The police work so hard to support and protect our communities," she said through a spokeswoman.
"To see an officer killed in the line of duty is an appalling tragedy.
"The thoughts of all New Zealanders are with his family and colleagues today."
The death shows how risky the job is, Police Association president Greg O'Connor said.
"Inherently there are risks involved in the job and this brings it home."
He refused to talk about the dead policeman or the incident but said in the last few years there had been a big change in the attitude of some people towards the police.
"More and more people are prepared to have a go. They wouldn't have in the past. That is the big change in policing," he said.
The last police officer killed in the line of duty was Detective Constable Duncan Taylor.
He was fatally shot at Rongotea, near Feilding, in 2002.
Daniel Luff, 17, was later convicted of killing him.

Patricia

Birds Of A Feather

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Thu, 10 Jul 2008 02:45:00 +0000

With all the crazy problems going on in this world around us I always like to take time out to enjoy the gifts of nature. There is so much to be said for solitude and quiet time. I often enjoy watching all the wonderful species of native New Zealand birds that find their way to our garden out back. I could actually watch them for hours. It is amazing how tediously they strive to find food for their young and for themselves, and they sure do make the most of exploring my husband's gardens. I especially love to watch them right after a good rain, for this is when the worms are so plentiful and the heaps of birds around our place have an absolute field day. I found the above photo a while ago on the Internet. I am a great one for saving photos of animals and birds, and I find this bird unusually attractive, although I have no idea what species it is, but I would love to know. Its colors are so gorgeous, that in fact I wish I had a dress in the same color. If anyone reading this post has any comment as to the species of this bird I would dearly love to know, so I would love to hear from you.

I use to have two stunningly colorful Love Birds named Silvia and Eglamour. I named them after two characters in one of William Shakespeare's Plays "Two Gentlemen of Verona". You can read the play at the link included. I have always adored animals of all kinds.... and would often bring home all kinds of strays and birds with broken wings when I was a little child. Perhaps I should have spent my life working in an animal shelter or a Veterinerian's office.

Anyway I am devoting today's post to Love Birds.

Lovebird is the commonly used name for the genus, Agapornis (from the Greek agape, for love, and ornis, for Bird), and can refer to any of the nine species of the genus. They are a very social and affectionate parrot.
The name Lovebird stems from these birds' bright, caring personalities. This is reflected by the bird's name in other languages: in German, "die Unzertrennlichen," and in French "les inséparables"- "inseparables." For this reason, many people feel strongly that lovebirds in captivity should be kept in pairs. Others believe that lovebirds, like other parrots, are social animals who can bond with human companions when given care and ample attention. Recommended foods include a pellet based diet along with fruits, vegetables and grains.
Lovebirds are about 13-17 centimeters in size, 40-60 grams in weight and are characterized by a small, stocky build and a short, blunt tail. This puts them among the smallest parrots in the world, although their beak is rather large for their overall size. Most lovebirds are blue, green, or lutino, although color mutations can feature many different colors. Some lovebird species, like Fischer's, black cheeked, and yellow collared lovebirds, have a white ring around the eye. Their lifespan is said to be 10 to 15 years.Lovebirds have the potential to make great pets for those who have the patience and time required of any parrot species. Because of their inclination to bond, they can form great long-term relationships with people. Lovebirds are healthier and more energetic than some other parrot species.
Provided with space, toys, and love, lovebirds can become cherished companions. They love to snuggle and often preen their favorite people. An important tip for lovebird owners is to regulate the amount of time spent with them. If you devote hours per day to your lovebird for several weeks because it's new and exciting and then cannot for some reason you can end up with a very temperamental lovebird on your hands.
Eight of the different species come from the mainland of Africa. The ninth species, Agapornis canus, originates from Madagascar. In the wild the different species are separated geographically. Lovebirds live in small flocks and eat mainly fruit, vegetables, some grasses and seed. Black-winged Lovebirds also enjoy insects and figs.
Only some of the lovebird species are sexually dimorphic. This includes the Abyssinian Lovebird, the Madagascar Lovebird, and the Red-faced Lovebird. However, colour mutation is common in other species of Lovebirds.
Lovebirds require an appropriately sized cage. Usually the minimum for a single bird is 35"x35"x35". They require lots of toys and things to chew on and play with, or will soon become bored and develop behavioral problems. Lovebirds are extremely social birds, and require several hours of interaction a day if kept singly. They need social interaction, be it with conspecifics or human companion, for their emotional as well as physical well-being. Without this interaction, daily exercise, a roomy cage, and many toys to play with, they may resort to feather-plucking or other behavioral problems. They don't necessarily need the companion of another lovebird, as the myth says. They do, however, need a human who will dedicate lots of time with them and take the place of the other lovebird. They love to take baths almost every day and may sun themselves after bathing in order to dry.Lovebirds require a variety of food, such as pellets, fruits, and vegetables. As a regular food, pellets are recommended, as the millet food generally sold in pet stores has too much fat in it and is not a significant source of nutrition. Pellets specially made for birds provide a well-balanced diet. Fresh greens are also extremely beneficial if not essential.
Lovebirds are very vocal birds, making loud, high-pitched noises. Some make noise all day, especially during the first morning hours.
Lovebirds are also very active, and love to chew things. When they are let out of their cage, it is wise to watch them carefully and protect any furniture, electrical wiring or anything else that they could possibly chew on.
Lovebirds are all of the genus Agapornis and can produce offspring with other lovebirds within the same genus. The cross-species hybrids are often sterile. It is recommended to only place birds of the same species together, or of the same sex, for the sake of the potentially faulted hybrid offspring.

The following link will take you to a YouTube site with a precious video of a couple hand feeding some baby lovebirds. It is so worthwhile to watch.

Hand Feeding Baby Lovebirds

The following are some excellent links to facts and information about these lovely creatures.

http://www.lovebirds.co.nz/main/index.php

http://www.lovebirdsplus.com/

I would love your feedback about lovebirds....they are certainly my favorite birds of all.

Cheers!

Patricia

Hot Diggity Dog!

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Tue, 08 Jul 2008 11:00:00 +0000

One thing I have really missed since I have moved to New Zealand from America ten years ago are Nathan's Hot Dogs. I remember all to well the wonderful Independence Day Celebrations with Nathan's Hot Dogs on the barbecue. They have just got to be the juciest and the tastiest hot dogs in the world. I must admit too that they were so good in fact that I could often be seen stopping my car by a roadside stand with the large Nathan's umbrella displayed, indicating of course that "Here We Sell Nathan's". Those of you who have had them before can surely attest to the fact that they are so wonderful.

Well this month on July 23 is the celebration of National Hot Dog Day, so I thought I would post a little Hot Dog Trivia for those so inclined.

Hot Dogs Across America

Americans eat an unestimatable number of hot dogs each year. In restaurants and at street carts, ballparks and backyard barbeques - hot dogs are everywhere! But depending on where you purchase your hot dog, your toppings may differ radically. Here's our short guide on what to expect when you buy your hot dog away from home.

New York City: New Yorkers eat more hot dogs than any other group in the country. From downtown Manhattan to Coney Island, when you buy your hot dog in the Big Apple, it will come served with steamed onions and a pale, deli-style yellow mustard.

Chicago: The possible antithesis to New York dogs, Chicago dogs are layered with yellow mustard, dark green relish, chopped raw onion, tomato slices and topped with a dash of celery salt and served in a poppy seed bun.

Atlanta and the South: Buying a hot dog at Turner Field, home of the Atlanta Braves, or else where in Atlanta and the south, you'll end up with your dog "dragged through the garden" and topped with coleslaw.

Kansas City: Get the mints out - you'll need them when you order up a hot dog in KC as it is served with sauerkraut and melted Swiss cheese on a sesame seed bun.

Baseball Stadiums: Turner Field isn't the only place to get a hot dog styled to local preferences, here are some others to check out:

The Rockie Dog - served at Coors Field, the home of the Colorado Rockies - is a footlong dog with grilled peppers, kraut and onions.

The Fenway Frank - served at none other than Fenway Park - is the only dog to eat while watching the Red Sox. Its boiled and grilled and served in a New England style bun with mustard and relish.

The Texas Dog - chili, cheese and jalapenos make this the favored item at Minute Maid Park in Houston.

Other Regional Preferences: Midwesterners eat more pork and beef hot dogs than any other region of the country.

Westerners eat more poultry hot dogs than any other region of the country, however, southerns are a close second.

Easterns perfer all-beef hot dogs and consumer more than any other region of the country.

Americans consumed 20 billion hot dogs in 1999!
Americans will consume 7 billion hot dogs between Memorial Day and Labor Day.
Americans will eat 26 million hot dogs in major league ballparks -- that's enough to stretch from Yankee Stadium in New York City to Dodgers' Stadium in Los Angeles!
More hot dogs are eaten in Dodgers' Stadium -- an estimated 2.2 million -- than in any other Major League Ballpark in the country!
450 hot dogs are eaten every second of every day in the United States or an average of 65 per person per year.
Hot dogs are served in 95 % of the homes in the U.S.A.
Chicago’s O’Hare International Airport sells more Hot Dogs than any other location in the USA, over 2 million a year.
Mustard remains the most popular Hot Dog Topping. 87 % of Hot Dog eaters use mustard.
During the Fourth of July Weekend, Americans will enjoy 150 million hot dogs!
450 hot dogs are eaten every second of every day of every year, on average about 65 per person in the United States annually.
95 percent of homes serve hot dogs.
Most dogs are eaten at home, 15 percent purchased from street vendors. 9 percent bought at ball parks.
Mustard remains the hottest topping, used regularly by 87.6 percent of the eaters.
The top dog for most folks is the 6-incher, preferred by 48.3 percent of us: 26 percent like a 7-incher:
4 percent, the foot long.
Chicago's O' Hare International Airport sells more hot dogs than any single location in the world, more than 2 million a year.
Record dogs: a 1,983 foot hot dog was made in May 1983 by Bill-Mar Foods of Zeeland, Wis; a 2,377-foot chicken dog was made in 1985 by Maple Lodge Farms in Norval, Canada; in 1978, David Berg of Chicago made a six-foot 681-pound beef hot dog in a 100 pound poppy seed bun covered with two gallons of mustard.

Hot Dog Etiquette

Everyday guidance for eating America's sacred food
Don't...Put hot dog toppings between the hot dog and the bun. Always "dress the dog," not the bun.
Condiments should be applied in the following order: wet condiments like mustard and chili are applied first, followed by chunky condiments like relish, onions and sauerkraut, followed by shredded cheese, followed by spices, like celery salt or pepper.
Do...Serve sesame seed, poppy seed and plain buns with hot dogs. Sun-dried tomato buns or basil buns are considered gauche with franks.
Don't...Use a cloth napkin to wipe your mouth when eating a hot dog. Paper is always preferable.
Do...Eat hot dogs on buns with your hands. Utensils should not touch hot dogs on buns.
Do...Use paper plates to serve hot dogs. Every day dishes are acceptable; china is a no-no.
Don't...Take more than five bites to finish a hot dog. For foot-long wiener, seven bites are acceptable.
Don't...Leave bits of bun on your plate. Eat it all.
Don't...Fresh herbs on the same plate with hot dogs over-do the presentation
Don't...Use ketchup on your hot dog after the age of 18. Mustard, relish, onions, cheese and chili are acceptable.
Do...Condiments remaining on the fingers after eating a hot dog should be licked away, not washed.
Do...Use multi-colored toothpicks to serve cocktail wieners. Cocktail forks are in poor taste.
Don't...Send a thank you note following a hot dog barbecue. It would not be in keeping with the unpretentious nature of hot dogs.
Don't...Bring wine to a hot dog barbecue. Beer, soda, lemonade and iced tea are preferable.
Don't...Ever think there is a wrong time to serve hot dogs.

How Hot Dogs are Made: The Real Story

To see a video showing how hot dogs are made, go to www.youtube.com/hotdogcouncil.
There are many tall tales about the way in which hot dogs are made, but the National Hot Dog and Sausage Council is eager to tell the real story.
First, specially selected meat trimmings of beef and/or pork -- just like the meat you buy in your grocer's case -- are cut or ground into small pieces and placed in a mixer. When poultry hot dogs are made, poultry trimmings are used.
High speed, stainless steel choppers blend the meat, spices, ice chips and curing ingredients into an emulsion or batter. The mixture is continuously weighed to assure a proper balance of all ingredients.
The mixture is then pumped into an automatic stuffer/linker machine, where it flows into casings. The most popular brands of hot dogs use cellulose casings, which are later removed. Some wieners use natural casings, which remain on the wiener when it is eaten. These wieners are considered more "traditional," are frequently made by smaller manufacturers and tend to cost a little more.
Once the casings are filled, they are linked into long strands of hot dogs and moved to the smokehouse, there they are fully cooked under controlled temperature and humidity conditions. They may be hardwood smoked for added color and flavor.
After passing through the smoke and cook cycle, the hot dogs are showered in cool water. If the hot dogs were made with cellulose casings, they are sent to an automatic peeler, where the cellulose "skin" is stripped away.
The individual links are then conveyed to the packaging equipment. When cellulose casings are used, the hot dogs are of exact size and weight. They are vacuum sealed in plastic films to protect the freshness and flavor of the hot dog. Because the casings on natural casings wieners are made from cleaned and processed animal intestines, they are of similar, but not exact, size.
Each package of hot dogs contains an ingredient statement, which lists everything that goes into the product. These days, it is less common to use variety meats such as hearts in hot dogs. When they are added, the package will clearly state "with variety meats." The particular variety meat used also will be listed in the ingredient statement. Nutrition labels also are included on hot dog packages, showing calories and nutrients per serving.
The entire process, from meat and poultry trimmings to being boxed and placed on the truck for delivery to retailers, can be measured in a matter of hours. The process also is carefully regulated and inspected for wholesomeness by the U.S. Department of Agriculture.

A Hot Dog Primer for Inquiring Minds

The National Hot Dog and Sausage Council receives hundreds of hot dog related questions each year. While most of these questions are easy for us - the hot dog gurus - to answer, other questions are nearly impossible to answer. Below are some frequently asked questions.
Why are there typically 10 hot dogs per pack and eight buns per bag?
Ah, one of the great mysteries of the universe. You would think the makers of these two inherently linked items would collaborate on this. These days, manufacturers are starting to offer different quantities of hot dogs per pack and bakers are breaking out of the eight-to-the-pack mold and offering 10 and even 12 packs of buns. However, this is the exception to the rule.
When hot dog buns were introduced, hot dogs were sold in varying quantities at the butcher shop. Not until 1940 were hot dogs packaged the way we currently see them in the grocery store. When manufacturers began packaging hot dogs, they chose the 10 to the pack formula. Today hot dogs are sold most often in eight or ten to the pound packs, but some are sold other quantities as well.
Sandwich rolls, or hot dog buns, most often come eight to the pack because the buns are baked in clusters of four in pans designed to hold eight rolls. While baking pans now come in configurations that allow baking 10 and even 12 at a time, the eight roll pan remains the most popular.
However, to save you from the bread aisle arithmetic anxiety, you need to purchase five bags of eight-to-the-pack buns and four 10-to-the-pack hot dogs to break even.
Why are hot dogs and baseball linked?
As the legend goes, frankfurters were dubbed the "hot dog" by a cartoonist who observed a vendor selling the "hot daschund sausages" during a baseball game at New York City's Polo Grounds. Concessionaires walked through the stands shouting "Get your red-hot dachshund sausages." In 1906, Tad Dorgan, a cartoonist for a Hearst newspaper, was inspired by the scene and sketched a cartoon with a real dachshund dog, smeared with mustard, in a bun. Supposedly, Dorgan could not spell the name of the dog, instead writing "get your hot dogs" for a caption. However, Dorgan's cartoon has never been located and some hot dog historians suggest the "dachshund" sausages were being called hot dogs on college campuses in the 1890s. "Little dog" sausages became standard fare at ballparks in 1893 when St. Louis bar owner and German immigrant Chris Von de Ahe, who owned the St. Louis Browns baseball team.
Besides its early association with baseball parks, hot dogs are easy to prepare, inexpensive and easily portable making them the perfect food to enjoy while cheering on a favorite team. Hot dogs are considered a fun summertime food, eaten most often between Memorial Day and Labor Day - coinciding with the peak of baseball season.
And while we're on the subject of street carts, just how many hot dog are sold on the Fourth of July at street carts in New York City?
Figuring out the precise number of hot dogs sold at specific locations or on specific days is nearly impossible. Street carts don't publish sales figures and dividing hot dog sales down to days would be an exhausting job.
We do know that the southern United States eats the bulk of all hot dogs each year - more than any other region of the country. Residents of New York City purchase more hot dogs at retail outlets (grocery stores, supermarkets, etc.) than any other city in the country - over $101 billion dollars worth. And travelers passing through Chicago's O'Hare International Airport consumer more hot dogs there than LaGuardia in New York and Los Angeles International.
For more detailed statistics on regional consumption of hot dogs and sausages, contact Information Resources, Inc. or AC Nielsen.
How many hot dogs do Americans eat each year and where do they eat them?
According to recent survey data obtained by the Council, Americans purchase 350 million pounds of hot dogs at retail stores - that's 9 billion hot dogs! But the actual number of hot dogs consumed by Americans is probably much larger. It is difficult to calculate the number of hot dogs Americans may eat at sporting events, local picnics and carnivals. The Council estimates Americans consume 20 billion hot dogs a year - more than twice the retail sales figures. That works out to about 70 hot dogs per person each year. Hot dogs are served in 95 percent of homes in the United States. Fifteen percent of hot dogs are purchased from street vendors and 9 percent are purchased at ballparks, according to statistics from the Heartland Buffalo Company.
What exactly is in a hot dog?
The ingredients in hot dogs have been the subject of much humor, rumor and speculation. But the answer is less exciting than the question.
All hot dogs are cured and cooked sausages that consist of mainly pork, beef, chicken and turkey or a combination of meat and poultry. Meats used in hot dogs come from the muscle of the animal and looks much like what you buy in the grocer's case. Other ingredients include water, curing agents and spices, such as garlic, salt, sugar, ground mustard, nutmeg, coriander and white pepper.
If variety meats such as liver and hearts are used in processed meats, the U.S. Department of Agriculture requires the manufacturer to declare those ingredients on the package with the statement "with variety meats" or "with meat by-products." The manufacturer must then specify which variety meat is included. In the U.S., companies are required to list ingredients in order, from the main ingredient, to the least ingredient.

I bet some of you didn't know there was even a day in the year cycle that celebrated the Great American Hot Dog....well doggone it...now you do! :-)

Patricia

Aliens Have Landed

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Mon, 07 Jul 2008 06:17:00 +0000

I caught this rather cute photo today on the Internet. I have a number of photos in my collection of dogs and cats dressed up in funny costumes but I think that this one takes the cake.

This pooch, named Baby, took third place prize on Saturday morning at the Roswell Convention and Civic Center during their 2008 Roswell UFO Festival.

Hungry For Something Glitzy?

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Thu, 03 Jul 2008 00:03:00 +0000

Greetings From New Zealand!

If you are a stitcher, sewer, quilter or an all-around craftsperson than you will absolutely adore these wonderfully glitzy cupcake pincushions created by my dear and talented friend Jana way up in the woods of British Columbia, Canada. I was so excited when I saw Jana's cupcake pincushions that I just had to share them with all my blog readers. They are so reasonably priced that you won't be able to resist adding one to you collection of needlework or craft accessories. They are sooooo soft and ever so colorful. I use mine every day....it is just so pretty to look at in person and serves your every day pincushion needs for your crafting. The pincushion comes with some bright glitzy pins which really top it off to a perfection that you will almost want to eat one. Just click on any one of these excellent images and it will take you to Jana's wonderful web site for pricing and additional details...and while you are there have a good peek around at all the other magnificent goodies that Jana has to offer especially for those of you interested in graphics for computer graphic design and scrapbooking. There are gigabytes galore of beautifully designed and created goodies for all your special needs.

Enjoy your cupcake.....mine is so good...I'll just have to have another!

Jana's Wonderful Web Site

A Whimsy Dust Affair

Patricia

Happy Fourth Of July Friends And Readers

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Tue, 01 Jul 2008 20:09:00 +0000

Well I'm back blogging after a very long hiatus due to some health issues, and more recently busy with my jewelery business. I hope to be able to stay more current so that I can provide all of you that read my Blog all kinds of interesting goodies and items worth noting. Yes, all these months away from blogging has been a bit disheartening but hopefully things will pick up. I thank all of those who have still been reading my blog during my absence and look forward to having you all back again.

A very special Happy Fourth of July to all of my American Family and Friends and Readers. Actually the 4th happens also to be my Wedding Anniversary. This year on the 4th my husband and I will be married ten years. So hard to believe that I moved here to New Zealand from New York just ten years ago to marry my Kiwi fiancé It seems like just yesterday quite frankly.

I have been pretty busy just lately setting up my new web site for my jewelry business:

Irresistibly Ewe

Patricia's Beaded Treasures

I would love for you to stop by for a visit, although I do not have any jewelry uploaded as yet but hope to be ready to go within the next week or two weeks. All of my jewelry is hand-crafted personally. I will be offering beaded jewelry, beaded charms fobs, and beaded bookmarks. There will also be links for other items for offer such as Home Decor, Vintage Treasures, and Shabby-Chic. You may also have interest in auctions, and they will be available via my boutique as well. I will post to my blog to let you know when I am up and running, but feel free to have a peek at my web site itself.

Well...good to be back all.....and as always I welcome your feedback at any time. Have a good look around as there are lots of things to see and make you think on my all my blogs.

Cheers From Patricia

Early Detection Save Lives

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Fri, 05 Oct 2007 08:52:00 +0000

See below for details for receiving your free Outlook Express Stationery

to use when you send email to your friends utilizing the above image design

for Breast Cancer Awareness Month. Click image for better view.

As most people know, October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month and it is a good time to address the importance of (BSE) Breast Self-Examination. It is widely known that early detection can save lives. One thing I have found astounding though, is that many women do not do regular self examinations. Now I am not sure of their reasons for this, but it is a relatively simple process. I have heard too that some women express the feeling that, "well breast cancer can never happen to me". The following is a link to an excellent 7 or 8 minute video on how to perform a BSE. It is very straightforward and will no doubt answer all of your questions about this very simple but important process.

BSE Video

Here are some helpful resources in regards to Breast Cancer:

The Women's Health Resource

Breast Cancer Awareness.Com

Susan B. Komen For The Cure

National Cancer Institute

How You Can Help Someone Obtain A Free Mammogram

Ribbon Cookie Cutter For Breast Cancer Awareness Month

For your free Outlook Express Stationery commemorating Breast Cancer Awareness Month click on the following link to download this stationery I made for you and save to your hard drive. All you need to do then is to open the file and it will open up in Outlook Express. When the e-mail opens just click "Forward" at the top and type your e-mail and VOILA! The stationery has a pretty pink textured background with the above image which I found on the Internet (Google Images) and I have included a quotation on the stationery by Christopher Reeve.

"Once you choose hope, anything's possible."

If you run into any problems with the stationery just e-mail me at:

Every Day Matters

and I will be more than happy to e-mail you the stationery.

Breast Cancer Awareness Outlook Express Stationery

The above link is good only for 100 downloads

or for 7 days from the date of this post.

Remember.....

Early Detection Saves Lives!

Spicy Ginger Cookies: Gift In A Jar

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Wed, 03 Oct 2007 22:31:00 +0000

Click on image for full preview of your card template
and print!

My dear Friend Jana way up in British Columbia Canada tells me that it is already getting cold in North America and that there is snowfall on the mountains as well . When I hear of the cold setting in up there....so far from us down here in New Zealand I envision that Christmas and the holidays are just around the corner, which means I can almost smell the hearty aromas from Jana's famous 'Impossible Pies' and lovely warm muffins fresh out of the oven that must be such a great hit up her way during the colder times of the year.

Well it is a great time to start thinking ahead about your own personal upcoming Christmas baking, while at the same time you might like to think about some 'Gifts In A Jar' as Christmas gifts for your family and friends. A 'Gift In A Jar' is the perfect and inexpensive gift for anyone, and a cinch to put together. With a fancy little jar wrapping and gift card or label that you can print on your computer printer it awakens the true sense of the holidays in any home.

Today's holiday share is a recipe for a "Gift In A Jar' which I found last year, and I am including the template for printing this darling gift card with the actual recipe right on it.

Here it is!

Spicy Ginger Cookies

You need a mason jar with lid and rings for one Gift in a jar.

Ingredients:

4 cups flour

3/4 teaspoon baking soda

1 teaspoon ground ginger

1 1/2 teaspoons ground cinnamon

1 1/2 teaspoons ground cloves

1/2 teaspoon salt

1/2 cup molasses

1 1/4 cups sugar

2 eggs

vanilla

Keep in mind that the molasses, butter or shortening , eggs and vanilla are the only ingredients that will not be added to this gift jar. The recipient of this gift will have to add those to the recipe when they are making it.

Instructions For Items In The Jar

Combine flour, spices, salt, and baking soda - stir well. Place flour mixture in a clean mason jar. Pack down tight so everything will fit in the jar. (Use a spoon or a mallet.) Add other ingredients, one item at a time. Pack down tight so everything will fit in the jar. (Use a spoon or a mallet.)

Print a copy of a gift card with recipe instructions.

Trim all white areas, fold and punch a hole in the upper left corner; attach to ribbon.

Optional:

As an added touch top the jar with fabric circle, and tie the card around the ring. You can even tie a wooden spoon to the lid with a piece of ribbon for a charming effect.

Recipe By:

cookieinajar.com

Card Template By:

Alenka's Printables

Finding Happiness In The Pursuit

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Tue, 02 Oct 2007 03:17:00 +0000

By M. P. DUNLEAVEY

Published: April 8, 2006

One of the great puzzles of human nature is why humans strive for more material things — money, jobs, homes, cars, flat-screen televisions — when they do not seem to make them any happier in the long run.
Philosophers have pondered this conundrum for centuries, and modern economists have been examining it over several decades in a multitude of cultures. Not only does greater wealth not guarantee happiness — even when you get what you want — research indicates that you will not find it as satisfying as you had hoped, and you will want something else.
Richard A. Easterlin, professor of economics at the University of Southern California, is a seminal researcher in this area. In effect, his work shows that if you think buying a three-bedroom condo and a Honda Element will make you happy, you had better think twice. In a few years, a) you're not likely to report being any happier, and b) you're likely to say that, now, finding a good private school for your children and buying a vacation home will really make you happy.
In Dr. Easterlin's view, this cycle of desire and dissatisfaction tends to keep people on an endless treadmill. This may sound self-defeating, but that is Dr. Easterlin's point. Why not get off the treadmill and pursue a life with fewer material ambitions? You would probably be happier.
Or would you? If material achievements tend to leave people only momentarily fulfilled, why do so many keep reaching for that next goal?
Claudia Senik, professor of economics at the Sorbonne, believes that the struggle for a certain achievement may offer a peculiar reward all its own. Although many people seem quite goal-oriented — especially when it comes to money, homes, cars, new kitchens and other goods that have become stand-ins for status — maybe it's not so much having the stuff that people really enjoy, but the struggle to obtain it.
In an unpublished paper called "Is Man Doomed to Progress?" which she presented at a symposium, "Economics and Happiness," last month at U.S.C., Dr. Senik examined the impact of anticipating future gains on a person's current level of well-being.
Researchers have noted that, for example, given the opportunity to schedule a fancy meal, many people tend to postpone the feast — to savor the anticipation of it. In fact, Dr. Senik found that when people aspire to a better quality of life within the next 12 months, the attempt to reach that goal alone — the anticipation independent of the outcome — seems to bestow happiness in the present.
"For the basic person there is pleasure in progress," Dr. Senik said. "We are proud to aim at something — to earn a degree, buy a house. So when I work to reach a higher position or earn a higher income, I'm already happy today."
Dr. Senik compares it somewhat humorously to being invited to a fabulous party. "Once you get there, maybe you enjoy the party or maybe you don't — but that doesn't matter because you've already spent the last few days looking forward to it."
Of course, that is not how most people view the quest for a better job, nicer car or bigger home. The glory is in getting what you want. Yet we have all experienced the phenomenon — behavioral economists call it adaptation — whereby once you attain whatever you most covet, it quickly loses its luster. Dr. Senik's research suggests that it's fine to crave the condo and the car as long as you realize there may be more pleasure in striving for those goals than in actually achieving them.
I find this oddly comforting, because like many people I am well acquainted with materialistic treadmills, and they are exhausting. You can feel like Sisyphus, pushing a boulder uphill over and over again to get the things you want.
It may seem that people are all hapless consumers, at the mercy of greed and needs (or cursed by Zeus). But Dr. Senik offers a more positive view. You can let go of the rather iffy rewards of getting and spending, and look for everyday pleasure while struggling to advance, improve, progress, achieve and attain.
As Dr. Easterlin said, "If you recognize that the striving can be of value in itself, then instead of taking a job that pays you the most, you may be better off taking work you'll enjoy." In other words, choose your treadmills carefully. Like Sisyphus, they're where most of us will spend our time.