May 15, 2008 | 4:45 AM
Category:
Entertainment
Does anyone remember when waterbeds use to be a popular thing? I never bought one, but I came close several times while trying them out. Some I remember, you could lay on and really feel the waves and also come a little close to feeling kind of woozy. Some were not too bad and had a little bit of firmness to them. Those were the ones I liked. Some also had heaters to help keep the water in the bed warm. A few times I came across baby beds that came with a waterbed in them. I knew some people who had bought waterbeds and later regretted it. They complained about it making them feel achey and sore. Not to mention always getting small leaks in them once in a while. As bad as I felt for them, it made me glad that I never gave in to the temptation of buying one. Give me a regular bed any day. If I want to be in the water, I can always go to a swimming pool or the lake! (hahaha) Did any of you buy a waterbed and later regret it, or did you always enjoy having one? If you did buy one, do you still have it and possible still use it? Some people just got rid of the waterbed matress and kept the frame and put a regular matress inside. What's your waterbed story?
May 8, 2008 | 12:01 PM
Category:
Entertainment
Happy Mother’s Day to all mothers and soon to be mothers. With Mother’s Day just around the corner, I was thinking of how much I wish I could have some fond memories of my mother on Mother’s Day. Unfortunately, that wasn’t meant to be. My mother died of cancer when I was very young. Usually when I sent Mother’s Day cards, I would send one to my grandmother (my dads mom) and one to an aunt I have been very close to. Although no one can replace a mother or the love she has for her children, I would say that my grandmother and my aunt were probably the greatest two people I could have had to take the place of a mother. They always assured me that they were not trying to take the place of my mother, but that they loved me just as much, and that I could always talk to them anytime about anything. My grandmother has long since passed away. May she always rest in peace. My aunt is, thankfully, still alive and I am still just as close to her today. The only thing that may possibly come between us is distance, but with letters, phone calls, e-mails and once in awhile Christmas get-togethers, distance is practically nothing. Some fond memories I have of being with my aunt was when she would pick up my sister and I during the summer. We would stay with her for maybe 2-3 weeks. Each year, she would always take us to Six Flags, or out to the lake and go swimming and once in a while out to the movies. She would also take us shopping each year for school clothes, so when we went home after visiting with them, we would be ready for school. You might say it sounds like she was spoiling us but she also had two kids of her own. Although she may have spoiled us at times, she also treated us like her own kids, and asked us to help out with chores around the house. We would help set the table at meal times and help clean the table and wash the dishes afterwards. We would help with the laundry, fold towels and such, and also help vacuum the floors or what ever there was that she needed or wanted help with. We didn’t mind helping her. We just enjoyed being there and being able to go places and do the things we did. We always looked forward to going to her house each and every summer. For being as good of a mother as she possibly could be to me and my sister, I want to wish her a very extra special Happy Mother’s Day. What are some fond memories you may have of your mother, or mother figure?
Mar 28, 2008 | 2:37 AM
Category:
Entertainment
A couple of weeks ago after church, my hubby and I decided to go out to a nearby lake. Once in a while we like to take in a nice long walk around the lake and feed the ducks and birds and......also the fish. Now, I don't mean feed the fish by loosing the bait on a hook to the fish or even feeding fish in an aquarium, unless you want to consider the lake one giant aquarium. (ha ha ha) At this particular lake you can actually hand feed a certain kind of fish that are IN the lake. They are actually free to come and go whenever they want. The kind of fish I am refering to are Carp. I have been to this lake several times, but I was so amazed the first time I saw this. People actually bring loaves of bread to feed the Carp. Yes, some of it goes to feed the birds and ducks, but most of it goes to feed the fish. There are not just a few Carp, there are many, many, many Carp, so many in fact, that they pile up on top of each other just to get to the bread that people toss out to them. It almost reminds me of a feeding frenzy you might see with Piranha fish. Ok, that might be going a little too far, but that IS what it reminds me of. It is fun to feed them and watch them gobble up whatever people throw to them. The ducks have no fear of the Carp and some of those fish are really big. The ducks just swim all around them going for pieces of bread, too. If you're ever out at Joe Pool Lake, near Cedar Hill, you might want to check it out. It's located in the Lynn Creek Park area of the lake near th bait shop. I think it's definately a sight worth seeing. If you do happen to stop by for a visit, there is also a fish restaurant in that same area called the Oasis. You could also check that out.
Mar 20, 2008 | 11:09 PM
Category:
Entertainment
Spring is in the air
Oh what a beautiful sight.
Love is everywhere
It's there both day and night.
The flowers all in bloom
The colors burst so bright.
There is no time for gloom
Spring just makes it right.
The birds all singing loud
Each morning when I rise.
It all just makes me proud
The love that fills my eyes.
Spring is in the air
There's so much love around.
It's there for all to share
Oh what a joyful sound.
I'm wishing everyone
A very Happy Spring.
Lots of love, happiness and fun
That all each day can bring.
Mar 13, 2008 | 10:41 PM
Category:
Entertainment
A few nights ago I was making dinner, when I decided to heat up a bag of frozen Vegetables. Suddenly the thought came to my mind about the different kinds of veggies that I did not like when I was a kid. I remember that I could not stand spinich. Especially the way that my mother would make it. She would always scramble an egg or two in with them. Sorry, but I still can't stand my spinich that way. The most I ever add to my spinich is just a little bit of chopped onions. It taste much better that way to me. Another veggie that I like now, but could not stand before is brussel sprouts, or what I've heard some people call, baby cabbages. They are especially good with melted butter. These days I can honestly say that I do like most veggies. There are though, those very few that I still say that I do not like. One of those, and I'm sure it's not really considered a veggie, is mushrooms. My family loves them! I can't stand them! I always remove them from anything that is served on my plate! For example, my family loves pizza with lots of mushrooms. I always remove them from my slices. They also love spaghetti with mushrooms in the sauce. Again, I remove them from my plate! HA HA I guess I will never like those things! Another veggie that they say is very good for you, but I just can't seem to find a way to make them to my liking is beets. They DO look good, but in my opinion, that is about all I can say about them. Here's a funny story about beets that happened to me once when I was a kid. One year when I was waaaaaay younger, my mother of course, would serve our plates and would put a little bit of everything she had made for dinner on them. For example, our meal may have been, roasted chicken, green beans, and maybe some mashed potatoes. Sometimes even some cranberry sauce would be added to our meal, especially if we were having chicken. That night, there they were. A couple of nice, yummy looking slices of cranberry sauce. I was so ready for some of that delicious stuff! As soon as I took that first bite, I knew something was just not right! I asked, "What is wrong with the cranberry sauce? It taste funny!" My mom simply said, "Oh, that's not cranberry sauce, those are beets." I'm sure that was my first time to experience the taste of beets. Oh, what a NOT-SO-NICE of a surprise taste that was for me! I still laugh about that occasionally, when we have cranberry sauce. What are some of your not-so-favorite veggies? Have any stories you care to share?
Mar 6, 2008 | 8:44 PM
Category:
Entertainment
Do you and your family split the chores when it comes time for spring cleaning or do you get together and help each other as a family? For the most part, our family usually splits the chores. My hubby likes to do the outside work, mowing the lawn, edging or raking the yard. I usually take care of the inside, cleaning, washing dishes etc. Sometimes, I'll be getting ready to hang a big load of laundry and he will help me with that. There are times though, when I will go outside and try to help him with the yard work. He usually insists on doing it himself, but he will let me help with sweeping the edges of the sidewalk. Thats ok, at least I feel like I've helped him somewhat. I usually have a fresh pitcher of ice cold tea or water waiting in the fridge when he's ready for a nice cold drink. Sometimes on the weekend when he doesn't have to work, he likes to make dinner. He especially likes to cook on the grill. One of our all time favorites he makes on the grill is Monterey Jack Chicken. I know this may be going off topic but, I'd like to share how he makes this recipe. You'll need skinless boneless chicken breast fillets, Monterey Jack cheese slices, and Fajita seasoning (for seasoning). First flatten the fillets until somewhat thin, then lightly season the chicken with fajita seasoning, cook thoroughly, then place the cheese slices on chicken and remove just when cheese starts to melt onto chicken. You can have what ever sides you want with it. If you want to give it a little extra flavor, you could top it off with some finely chopped onion and tomatoes if you like or maybe some picante sauce. Whatever your taste may be. I hope you'll like it if you try it. Now, back to topic. :) How do you and your family share the chores?
Mar 5, 2008 | 6:20 AM
Category:
Faith
We are always complaining to our friends and loved ones about how they don't do this or that for us. For example, "Why did you do that, can't you ever do anything right?!" or "You're always getting on my nerves about one thing or another!" It seems we are always putting each other down about something. Although I know this may be a 'normal' reaction or maybe a feeling of 'thats just how it is' when someone makes us mad, but what if those were the last words said to a friend or a loved one and something bad happened to them? The guilt would be overwhelming! When I hear about these unexpected deaths, especially by murder, these stories really get to me. I often hope that the survivors were on happy terms with their loved ones. Not a big fight before leaving home or a big argument on the phone before coming home. It saddens me so much to hear about people getting killed in a car crash, especially by drunk drivers, etc. We are not even safe in our own homes, or our own yards without having a home invasion or a drive-by shooting. As soon as someone steps out of the door, no matter where they may be going, anything could happen. Let your friends and family members know how much you love and care about them each and every day. Try not to complain too much about what gets on your nerves about them. Maybe instead, try letting them know what it is about them that makes you happy. I do my best to make sure each and every day that when my family leaves to go anywhere, they know just how much I love and care about them. They also know just how happy I am to see them when they return home. I know this may sound some what silly, but you never know from one day to the next what could happen.
Feb 13, 2008 | 5:47 AM
Category:
Entertainment
Valentine's Day is just one day away! What are your plans for this special romantic day? Have you already purchased a special something for that special someone? Or made special plans? As for our family, we don't really go to far out for Valentine's Day. My hubby usually buys me a very nice card and a nice bottle of champagne each year. I sometimes like to make a special dinner and light a couple of candles for that special touch. We have occasionally in past times gone to a nice restaurant. Red Lobster, Salt Grass or maybe Olive Garden to name a few. My hubby works the overnight hours, which sometimes makes it a little hard to make plans. Sometimes, when a special occasion comes up during the week but we can't make it at that time, we try to make up for it by going on saturday or sunday. Hmmm..., I'm thinking maybe I'll make a nice steak dinner with fully loaded baked potatoes and a big salad for our special candle lit dinner at home. Who knows, maybe my hubby might decide to take the night off and stay home for Valentine's evening. What are your plans? Happy Valentine's Day, everyone!!
Feb 12, 2008 | 8:34 AM
Category:
Entertainment
(1) Comedian-Jack Benny: 1894 - 12/26/1974
(2) Anchorman-Hugh Downs: 1921
(3) Actress-Florence Henderson: 1934
(4) Actor-Victor Morrow: 1929 - 7/23/1982
(5) Businessman-Michael Bloomberg: 1949
(6) American Journalist-Carl Bernstein: 1944
(7) Actress-Lois Maxwell (Famous for 'Miss Moneypenny'): 1927 - 9/29/2007
(8) Actor, singer, dancer and choreographer-Gregory Hines: 1946 - 08/09/2003
How many of you share birthdays with these famous people?
Feb 6, 2008 | 9:23 AM
Category:
Faith
Sometimes I really enjoy listening to some good old country gospel music. Some days when I feel really tired and stressed out, it seems to just soothe my soul. I grew up listening to both country music and country gospel music. Don't misunderstand, I have a wide varity of music that I love listening to. It's just that for me, some days there's nothing like some good old country gospel music to help get me through the day. One of my favorite singers that had a great singing voice was Johnny Cash. Some of my favorite gospel songs from him include, "Daddy Sang Base", "Were You There (When They Crucified My Lord?") and an all time favorite with The Carter Family is, "Will The Circle Be Unbroken". Another favorite singer is Ray Stevens. He had a collection of gospel songs that I really enjoy listening to. A few of my favorites from him include, "Turn Your Radio On", "Lead Me To That Rock" and I'm sure some of you may know the song, "Everything Is Beautiful". Some of my other favorite country gospel songs by various singers include, "Amazing Grace" by Charlie Rich, "Just A Closer Walk With Thee" by Patsy Cline, and "The Old Rugged Cross" by Ricky Van Shelton. This is just a small list of many country gospel singers and songs that I really enjoy listening to. What are some of your favorite gospel songs and singers?
Feb 1, 2008 | 5:53 PM
Category:
Political
My family and I were having a discussion about Presidents children and the military. A question came up that we were not sure about. Does anyone know if there have been any Presidents who have had their children fight over seas while they were in office?
Feb 1, 2008 | 5:49 PM
Category:
Entertainment
Have you ever been cleaning your house, trying to get things oragnized and rearranged, then a couple of weeks later find that you need an item and discover you can't remember where you put it? To top that off, when you start looking, you find everything but the item you are in pursuit of. UGH! I guess that is the price I pay for cleaning and rearranging things. (hahaha) In case you you may be wondering, the misplaced item is a camera. I've got others, but what makes this camera special, is that my son had given it to me about 3-4 years ago. Yes, if I had bought it and misplaced it, it would bother me, but because it was from my son, it bothers me moreso. I will say this though, that makes me more determined to find it! Wish me luck! Has this ever happened to you?
Jan 24, 2008 | 9:33 PM
Category:
Entertainment
Brrr, It's been really cold these past few days. For me, that means it's time for a nice hot beverage. I have several different drinks that I like. Sometimes it's a nice big mug of hot tea. My favorite flavor is Honey Vanilla Chamomile, by Celestial Seasonings. I like to add a little lemon and just let it steep for a few minutes. That really helps to soothe the soul. One of my all time favorites is hot chocolate, especially with marshmallows. That's a real comfy drink for me. Does anyone like hot Apple cider? Sometimes that really hits the spot and it's definately going on my grocery list this weekend. Lastly, I always enjoy a cup or two of my favorite flavored coffee's. What are some of your favorite hot beverages?
Jan 23, 2008 | 8:15 AM
Category:
Entertainment
When I used to work outside our home, as soon as I got home, I would change into my favorite kind of comfy clothes. In the winter, I love to slip into an over sized t-shirt and a pair of sweats. I like to wear them one size larger so they can be extra comfy. After all, it's just for around the house only. I also like to wear my comfy house shoes. They're the kind that are ankle high and are fuzzy on the inside. They really keep my feet nice and warm, especially when the weather gets really cold. In the summer time, there's nothing better than t-shirts and shorts. What are your favorite kind of comfy clothes?
Jan 17, 2008 | 3:41 PM
Category:
Entertainment
I really enjoy watching the Purina Dog Challenge Show. I like all the events, especially the free style flying disc competition. There are so many talented dogs out there! This year a Pitbull won the free style flying disc competition. That's the first time I've seen a pitbull in any of those competitions. But if the dog is qualified, what ever kind it may be, then I say give them the chance and see how they do. Some of the other competitions include, The obsticle course, The fastest small dog competition, and finally the water jumping competition, where each dog takes a short running start and jumps as far as they can into a deep, long pool of water. This event is for the bigger dogs only. I've never seen small dogs in this one. The dogs owners are always right there by their side helping them through in each of the competitions. I thought the show was really interesting and fun to watch. Does anyone else enjoy watching the dog competition shows?
