Happy Easter everyone. If you are looking for recipes, or history, check yesterday's blog.
Today is the day we celebrate the atonement and resurrection of our Savior, Jesus Christ. The only perfect man who ever lived, He broke the bands of death, and made it possible for us to live again. His mercy, grace and atoning sacrifice make life everlasting a reality.
As disciples of Christ, we can never achieve perfection in this life, but we can follow his teachings, reach out in love to our fellow beings, and faithfully serve him all of our days. His is the only name under Heaven whereby we can return to our Father.
The following poem by Ella Wheeler Wilcox is a favorite of mine.
Gethsemane
By Ella Wheeler Wilcox
In golden youth when seems the earth
A Summer-land of singing mirth,
When souls are glad and hearts are light,
And not a shadow lurks in sight,
We do not know it, but there lies
Somewhere veiled under evening skies
A garden which we all must see --
The garden of Gethsemane.
With joyous steps we go our ways,
Love lends a halo to our days;
Light sorrows sail like clouds afar,
We laugh and say how strong we are.
We hurry on; and hurrying, go
Close to the border-land of woe,
That waits for you, and waits for me --
For ever waits Gethsemane.
Down shadowy lanes, across strange streams,
Bridged over by our broken dreams;
Behind the misty caps of years,
Beyond the great salt fount of tears,
The garden lies. Strive as you may,
You cannot miss it in your way.
All paths that have been, or shall be,
Pass somewhere through Gethsemane.
All those who journey, soon or late,
Must pass within the garden's gate;
Must kneel alone in darkness there,
And battle with some fierce despair.
God pity those who cannot say,
"Not mine but thine," who only pray,
"Let this cup pass," and cannot see
The purpose in Gethsemane.
Suffering and sorrow are a part of this mortal life, but through the Savior’s atoning sacrifice, they don’t have to be a part of the next life. He took our sins upon himself in the Garden of Gethsemane, and paid the price for each of us with his blood. May we all recognize him as our Savior, and thank him this day for his gift of eternal life.
Sunday, April 12, 2009
Saturday, April 11, 2009
Easter Bunny Saturday
It was March 30, 1975. I woke up Easter morning, and ran to the front door (well, I actually kind of waddled to the front door). I threw it open hoping to see a beautiful basket left by the Easter bunny with eggs, and candy, and flowers, and chocolate and grass (you get the picture) but most of all, I was hoping to see a baby in it. I was three days overdue and had pinned my hopes on the Easter Bunny bringing our baby as a surprise! He let me down – no baby. She was born the next day – my beautiful Shannon. It would have been a lot more comfortable to have had the bunny deliver it, though, so I figured he owed me.
Being a good researcher, I decided to find out everything I could about his history before I confronted him. The earliest references to the Easter Bunny trace back to Germany in the 1500s and parts of France during the 1600s. He’d been around a LONG time and should have known better than to disappoint a pregnant woman! Some claim that his a symbolic representation of life dates back to pagan fertility rituals. Fertility rituals....yeah, he should know better!
My information gathering was proving fruitful – he had been alive a LONG time. He came to the US from Germany – I had good reason to suspect that he actually came from the Carpathian Mountains and went to Germany after Trannsylvania was defeated in 1004. Fearful of discovery, he laid low in Dusseldorf, changing his personna into that of playful, loving “Oschter Haws." He occasionally made PR visits to Hamm and Wuppertal, and even once to Frankfurt. He emigrated to the US in the 1700s with German immigrants who brought with them both the Easter Bunny and the egg tradition. Taking root in the Pennsylvania colony, the tradition of the Easter Bunny and eggs was almost as popular as the Christmas traditions. Children would make nests in secluded spots, believing that if they were good, that the Easter Bunny would bring them brightly colored eggs or candy. The tradition of making hidden nests for the eggs gradually evolved into traditional egg hunts in which children would carry their baskets about searching for the eggs and candy to gather up.
Armed to the teeth (no pun intended) with carrot “stakes,” I sought out “Count” Bunny. (He lives up City Creek by Pocatello, ID, in case any of you are interested. ) Our initial meeting can best be described as taking place with fangs exposed. I told him my complaint and he explained to me the legal definition of “libel.” He was a “good, God-fearing bunny”, and I better not hint otherwise. We made a deal, I kept my “findings” (completely spurious findings according to him–he’s never even HEARD of Carpathia) to myself. He agreed to come to my home every year on the Friday night before Easter so that we could find our baskets Saturday morning and leave Sunday for the observance of the Savior’s death and resurrection. It’s worked well.
He didn’t come today. I guess he knew that there were no children here to leave baskets for and that I’m on a diet and Dean has given chocolate up. Too bad, I’ll miss him.
2 Easter recipes:
Easter Nests
12 oz. package butterscotch chips (chocoholics can use a package of milk chocolate chips)
1/2 c. peanut butter
1 c. peanuts
5 oz. Chinese noodles
Melt butterscotch chips, add peanut butter and blend. Add peanuts and Chinese noodles and blend well. Form into nests on waxed paper and cookie sheet. Cool in refrigerator. Add jelly beans or candy eggs of your choice.
Easter Carrot Cake
2 c sugar
1-1/2 c. canola oil
5 eggs
3 c. grated carrots (about 7)
2 c. all-purpose flour
2 tsp. baking soda
2 tsp. baking powder
2 tsp. cinnamon
1 c. chopped nuts
In mixing bowl, combine sugar and oil. Add eggs, one at a time, beating well. Mix in carrots. Combine in bowl flour, baking soda, baking powder and cinnamon. Sift. Add flour mixture to carrots mixture. Mix. Add nuts. Pour into greased and floured two round cake pans. Bake in 325 degree oven for 45 minutes to 1 hour or until cake test done.
Cream Cheese Frosting
1 (8 oz.) pkg. cream cheese, softened
1/2 c. soft margarine
1 (1 lb.) box powdered sugar
1 tsp. vanilla
Chopped nuts or dyed coconut to sprinkle on top of frosted cake
Combine cream cheese, margarine, powdered sugar and vanilla; mix well. Use to frost cooled cake. Sprinkle chopped nuts or coconut over top for garnish.
Being a good researcher, I decided to find out everything I could about his history before I confronted him. The earliest references to the Easter Bunny trace back to Germany in the 1500s and parts of France during the 1600s. He’d been around a LONG time and should have known better than to disappoint a pregnant woman! Some claim that his a symbolic representation of life dates back to pagan fertility rituals. Fertility rituals....yeah, he should know better!
My information gathering was proving fruitful – he had been alive a LONG time. He came to the US from Germany – I had good reason to suspect that he actually came from the Carpathian Mountains and went to Germany after Trannsylvania was defeated in 1004. Fearful of discovery, he laid low in Dusseldorf, changing his personna into that of playful, loving “Oschter Haws." He occasionally made PR visits to Hamm and Wuppertal, and even once to Frankfurt. He emigrated to the US in the 1700s with German immigrants who brought with them both the Easter Bunny and the egg tradition. Taking root in the Pennsylvania colony, the tradition of the Easter Bunny and eggs was almost as popular as the Christmas traditions. Children would make nests in secluded spots, believing that if they were good, that the Easter Bunny would bring them brightly colored eggs or candy. The tradition of making hidden nests for the eggs gradually evolved into traditional egg hunts in which children would carry their baskets about searching for the eggs and candy to gather up.
Armed to the teeth (no pun intended) with carrot “stakes,” I sought out “Count” Bunny. (He lives up City Creek by Pocatello, ID, in case any of you are interested. ) Our initial meeting can best be described as taking place with fangs exposed. I told him my complaint and he explained to me the legal definition of “libel.” He was a “good, God-fearing bunny”, and I better not hint otherwise. We made a deal, I kept my “findings” (completely spurious findings according to him–he’s never even HEARD of Carpathia) to myself. He agreed to come to my home every year on the Friday night before Easter so that we could find our baskets Saturday morning and leave Sunday for the observance of the Savior’s death and resurrection. It’s worked well.
He didn’t come today. I guess he knew that there were no children here to leave baskets for and that I’m on a diet and Dean has given chocolate up. Too bad, I’ll miss him.
2 Easter recipes:
Easter Nests
12 oz. package butterscotch chips (chocoholics can use a package of milk chocolate chips)
1/2 c. peanut butter
1 c. peanuts
5 oz. Chinese noodles
Melt butterscotch chips, add peanut butter and blend. Add peanuts and Chinese noodles and blend well. Form into nests on waxed paper and cookie sheet. Cool in refrigerator. Add jelly beans or candy eggs of your choice.
Easter Carrot Cake
2 c sugar
1-1/2 c. canola oil
5 eggs
3 c. grated carrots (about 7)
2 c. all-purpose flour
2 tsp. baking soda
2 tsp. baking powder
2 tsp. cinnamon
1 c. chopped nuts
In mixing bowl, combine sugar and oil. Add eggs, one at a time, beating well. Mix in carrots. Combine in bowl flour, baking soda, baking powder and cinnamon. Sift. Add flour mixture to carrots mixture. Mix. Add nuts. Pour into greased and floured two round cake pans. Bake in 325 degree oven for 45 minutes to 1 hour or until cake test done.
Cream Cheese Frosting
1 (8 oz.) pkg. cream cheese, softened
1/2 c. soft margarine
1 (1 lb.) box powdered sugar
1 tsp. vanilla
Chopped nuts or dyed coconut to sprinkle on top of frosted cake
Combine cream cheese, margarine, powdered sugar and vanilla; mix well. Use to frost cooled cake. Sprinkle chopped nuts or coconut over top for garnish.
Wednesday, April 1, 2009
April Fools Day
Welcome everyone! It is so great that you have come to my blog today in search of historical info on April Fool's Day -- how it started back in France in the 1500's. Besides the history, you've eagerly awaited reading the tales of the greatest pranks ever pulled throughout history, and getting some fun recipe besides. WELL, Happy Poisson d'Avril. Ha-ha...ha-ha.... ha, ha, ha!
Tuesday, March 17, 2009
St. Patrick's Day
My father told me one day that I must be Irish. According to him, I have the gift of Blarney. Of course, it’s possible that at some time, in some prior existence, I kissed the Blarney stone. So far as I can recall, I haven’t, but it would explain my fear of heights. Just imagine – right after kissing it, the person who was holding me by my ankles, let go and I fell to my death . What a tragic thing to be given the gift of gab, only to lose it! The more I think about it, the more sure I am–that is the only possible explanation. So in tribute to my former Irish self, Happy St. Patrick’s Day – the day of leprechauns, corned beef and cabbage, parades and the color green...right?
Well, actually not quite. Blue is the color associated with St. Patrick. “St Patrick’s Blue” is used on Ireland's flag and the uniforms of the Irish Guard.
St. Patrick is the patron Saint of fishermen and the Irish have observed his holiday for over a thousand years. According to legend, on the day of Judgement, while Christ judges all other nations, St Patrick will be the judge of the Irish.
I love a good Irish story:
Two Irishmen met and one said to the other, 'Have ye seen Mulligan lately, Pat?'
Pat answered, 'Well, I have and I haven't.'
His friend asked, 'Shure, and what d'ye mean by that?'
Pat replied, 'It's like this, y'see...I saw a chap who I thought was Mulligan, and he saw a chap that he thought was me. And when we got up to one another...it was neither of us.'
The first St Patrick’s Day parade took place in 1737 in Boston, followed in 1762 by New York. George Washington allowed his soldiers a holiday on March 17, 1780 as “an act of solidarity with the Irish in their fight for independence.”
Here’s one for Keith:
An Irishman went to a pet shop and asked how many budgies were in stock. "We have 99" replied the shop owner "Give us the lot" said the Irish man, paid for them and left. He went to a tailors shop and had 99 pockets sewn into a jacket, put a budgie in each pocket, went up to the Post Office Tower and jumped off. He hit the ground with an almighty smack and lay there groaning until a passer-by came and asked him what had happened. "I don't know sur" he replied "but that's the last time I try that budgie jumping"
According to Celtic folktales, leprechauns were cranky souls, responsible for mending the shoes of the other fairies, tiny men and women who could use their magical powers to serve good or evil. They were known for their trickery, which they often used to protect their much-fabled treasure. Leprechauns had nothing to do with St. Patrick or the celebration of St. Patrick's Day, until 1959, when Walt Disney released a film called Darby O'Gill & the Little People. This cheerful, friendly leprechaun is a purely American invention, but has quickly evolved into the symbol of both St. Patrick's Day and Ireland in general.
You have to blame Dennis for this joke:
Q: Why can't you borrow money from a leprechaun?
A: Because they're always a little short.
Chicago is famous for a somewhat peculiar annual event: dyeing the Chicago River green. The tradition started in 1962, when city pollution-control workers used dyes to trace illegal sewage discharges and realized that the green dye might provide a unique way to celebrate the holiday. That year, they released 100 pounds of green vegetable dye into the river—enough to keep it green for a week! Today, in order to minimize environmental damage, only forty pounds of dye are used, making the river green for only several hours.
And Orlo for this one:
On the bus Paddy got chatting to Murphy who was carrying a bag on his back.
'What's in the bag?' asked Paddy
'I'm not going to tell', replied Murphy
'Go on, do.' pleaded Paddy.
'Ah, all right then, it's ducks.' announced Murphy
'If I guess how many ducks you have in the bag, will you give me one of them?' enquired Paddy
'Look', said Murphy, 'If you guess the correct number, I'll give you both of them.'
'Five!' said Paddy triumphantly.
And Francis for this one:
Reilly is walking through a graveyard when he comes across a headstone with the inscription "Here lies a politician and an honest man."
'Faith now,' exclaims Reilly, 'I wonder how they got the two of them in one grave.
I love the fact that so much of Irish humor relies on word plays. It’s great and the world would be a boring place without it and without that grand people.
Most people think of Corned beef and cabbage as being Irish. Alas, it’s another American invention. It should be Bacon and Cabbage, but bacon became so expensive that corned beef was subtituted
Bacon and cabbage
1 (1/3-pound) piece Irish bacon (available at specialty foods shops) or Canadian bacon
3 tablespoons unsalted butter
1 medium onion, finely chopped
2 large Yukon Gold potatoes, peeled and cut into 1/2-inch dice
5 1/2 cups chicken stock or low-sodium chicken broth
4 bay leaves
2 teaspoons kosher salt
1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
1/2 small head Savoy cabbage, cored, thinly sliced, and cut into 1/2-inch pieces
In small saucepan, combine bacon and cold water to cover. Cover, bring to boil over moderate heat, and skim foam from surface. Reduce heat and simmer 7 minutes. Drain and cool, then cut into 1-inch chunks. Set aside.
In 6-quart heavy stock pot over moderate heat, melt butter. Add onion and sauté, stirring, until softened, about 3 minutes. Add potatoes and sauté 2 minutes. Add stock, bay leaves, salt, and pepper and bring to boil. Reduce heat to moderately low, cover, and simmer until potatoes are soft, about 8 to 10 minutes. Add cabbage and simmer 5 additional minutes. Discard bay leaves. Working in 3 batches, in blender purée soup until smooth (using caution when blending hot liquids). Return to pot, stir in bacon, and rewarm if necessary. Ladle soup into bowls and serve.
Extracted from: http://www.epicurious.com/recipes/food/views/Bacon-and-Cabbage-Soup-237876
to make it authentic, serve with
Parsley Sauce:
4 tablespoons unsalted Kerrygold Irish butter
3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
1/4 cup bacon cooking liquid
1 1/4 cups hot milk
Salt and freshly ground pepper to taste
1/2 cup minced fresh flat-leaf parsley
and
Whole-Grain Mustard Sauce:
2 tablespoons unsalted Kerrygold Irish butter
1 Small onion, chopped
1 clove garlic, minced
2 Teaspoons whole-grain mustard
1 1/4 cups bacon cooking liquid, plus more as needed
1 1/4 cups half-and-half, plus more as needed
Salt and freshly ground pepper to taste
Well, actually not quite. Blue is the color associated with St. Patrick. “St Patrick’s Blue” is used on Ireland's flag and the uniforms of the Irish Guard.
St. Patrick is the patron Saint of fishermen and the Irish have observed his holiday for over a thousand years. According to legend, on the day of Judgement, while Christ judges all other nations, St Patrick will be the judge of the Irish.
I love a good Irish story:
Two Irishmen met and one said to the other, 'Have ye seen Mulligan lately, Pat?'
Pat answered, 'Well, I have and I haven't.'
His friend asked, 'Shure, and what d'ye mean by that?'
Pat replied, 'It's like this, y'see...I saw a chap who I thought was Mulligan, and he saw a chap that he thought was me. And when we got up to one another...it was neither of us.'
The first St Patrick’s Day parade took place in 1737 in Boston, followed in 1762 by New York. George Washington allowed his soldiers a holiday on March 17, 1780 as “an act of solidarity with the Irish in their fight for independence.”
Here’s one for Keith:
An Irishman went to a pet shop and asked how many budgies were in stock. "We have 99" replied the shop owner "Give us the lot" said the Irish man, paid for them and left. He went to a tailors shop and had 99 pockets sewn into a jacket, put a budgie in each pocket, went up to the Post Office Tower and jumped off. He hit the ground with an almighty smack and lay there groaning until a passer-by came and asked him what had happened. "I don't know sur" he replied "but that's the last time I try that budgie jumping"
According to Celtic folktales, leprechauns were cranky souls, responsible for mending the shoes of the other fairies, tiny men and women who could use their magical powers to serve good or evil. They were known for their trickery, which they often used to protect their much-fabled treasure. Leprechauns had nothing to do with St. Patrick or the celebration of St. Patrick's Day, until 1959, when Walt Disney released a film called Darby O'Gill & the Little People. This cheerful, friendly leprechaun is a purely American invention, but has quickly evolved into the symbol of both St. Patrick's Day and Ireland in general.
You have to blame Dennis for this joke:
Q: Why can't you borrow money from a leprechaun?
A: Because they're always a little short.
Chicago is famous for a somewhat peculiar annual event: dyeing the Chicago River green. The tradition started in 1962, when city pollution-control workers used dyes to trace illegal sewage discharges and realized that the green dye might provide a unique way to celebrate the holiday. That year, they released 100 pounds of green vegetable dye into the river—enough to keep it green for a week! Today, in order to minimize environmental damage, only forty pounds of dye are used, making the river green for only several hours.
And Orlo for this one:
On the bus Paddy got chatting to Murphy who was carrying a bag on his back.
'What's in the bag?' asked Paddy
'I'm not going to tell', replied Murphy
'Go on, do.' pleaded Paddy.
'Ah, all right then, it's ducks.' announced Murphy
'If I guess how many ducks you have in the bag, will you give me one of them?' enquired Paddy
'Look', said Murphy, 'If you guess the correct number, I'll give you both of them.'
'Five!' said Paddy triumphantly.
And Francis for this one:
Reilly is walking through a graveyard when he comes across a headstone with the inscription "Here lies a politician and an honest man."
'Faith now,' exclaims Reilly, 'I wonder how they got the two of them in one grave.
I love the fact that so much of Irish humor relies on word plays. It’s great and the world would be a boring place without it and without that grand people.
Most people think of Corned beef and cabbage as being Irish. Alas, it’s another American invention. It should be Bacon and Cabbage, but bacon became so expensive that corned beef was subtituted
Bacon and cabbage
1 (1/3-pound) piece Irish bacon (available at specialty foods shops) or Canadian bacon
3 tablespoons unsalted butter
1 medium onion, finely chopped
2 large Yukon Gold potatoes, peeled and cut into 1/2-inch dice
5 1/2 cups chicken stock or low-sodium chicken broth
4 bay leaves
2 teaspoons kosher salt
1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
1/2 small head Savoy cabbage, cored, thinly sliced, and cut into 1/2-inch pieces
In small saucepan, combine bacon and cold water to cover. Cover, bring to boil over moderate heat, and skim foam from surface. Reduce heat and simmer 7 minutes. Drain and cool, then cut into 1-inch chunks. Set aside.
In 6-quart heavy stock pot over moderate heat, melt butter. Add onion and sauté, stirring, until softened, about 3 minutes. Add potatoes and sauté 2 minutes. Add stock, bay leaves, salt, and pepper and bring to boil. Reduce heat to moderately low, cover, and simmer until potatoes are soft, about 8 to 10 minutes. Add cabbage and simmer 5 additional minutes. Discard bay leaves. Working in 3 batches, in blender purée soup until smooth (using caution when blending hot liquids). Return to pot, stir in bacon, and rewarm if necessary. Ladle soup into bowls and serve.
Extracted from: http://www.epicurious.com/recipes/food/views/Bacon-and-Cabbage-Soup-237876
to make it authentic, serve with
Parsley Sauce:
4 tablespoons unsalted Kerrygold Irish butter
3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
1/4 cup bacon cooking liquid
1 1/4 cups hot milk
Salt and freshly ground pepper to taste
1/2 cup minced fresh flat-leaf parsley
and
Whole-Grain Mustard Sauce:
2 tablespoons unsalted Kerrygold Irish butter
1 Small onion, chopped
1 clove garlic, minced
2 Teaspoons whole-grain mustard
1 1/4 cups bacon cooking liquid, plus more as needed
1 1/4 cups half-and-half, plus more as needed
Salt and freshly ground pepper to taste
Saturday, March 7, 2009
It Should Be
My daughter warned me this past week that if I don't stop commenting on these lesser holidays, I'm going to lose my loyal followers (all 6 of you)! So, in a desire to redeem myself, I pledge that I will hereby only blog on St. Patrick's Day this month.
Except for today of course.....and while today is not a holiday that I know of, it SHOULD be. The name of this holiday should be "National Shower Appreciation for Recovering Surgical Patients Day"! The idea for this holiday came to me today when I was looking for waterproof tape to cover my incisions with. After checking 4 drawers and 3 cupboards, with no luck it seemed rather fruitless, but I will persevere! As soon as Dean awakes, I will have him join the hunt -- maybe Gina, too, if necessary. Then I'll cover the incisions with gauze and tape and take my first shower since Tuesday morning and that will indeed be a cause for celebration!
Dean just came in the room, read this blog and is now a man on a mission! He says duct tape will work and is gone out to the shop! Yes, soon the bliss of feeling clean and having clean hair will be mine. Hurrah! (and remember, there will be no more time-wasting, mind-cluttering blogs about inconsequential holidays this month) What a great Day for a celebration!!
(Chicken Soup is ALWAYS great when you're under the weather, right?
Chicken Rice Soup
1 c. uncooked wild rice
3 c. diced, cooked chicken breast
2 T. chicken bouillon
1 onion, chopped
5 c. water
4 potatoes, cubed
1 1/2 c. milk
2 T. flour
In a large saucepan over medium-high heat, bring rice, chicken, bouillon, onion and water to a boil. Remove from heat and pour into slow cooker. Stir in potatoes. Combine milk and flour and stir until smooth. Stir into soup mixture. Cook 6 to 8 hours, until rice and potatoes are tender and flavors are well blended.
Except for today of course.....and while today is not a holiday that I know of, it SHOULD be. The name of this holiday should be "National Shower Appreciation for Recovering Surgical Patients Day"! The idea for this holiday came to me today when I was looking for waterproof tape to cover my incisions with. After checking 4 drawers and 3 cupboards, with no luck it seemed rather fruitless, but I will persevere! As soon as Dean awakes, I will have him join the hunt -- maybe Gina, too, if necessary. Then I'll cover the incisions with gauze and tape and take my first shower since Tuesday morning and that will indeed be a cause for celebration!
Dean just came in the room, read this blog and is now a man on a mission! He says duct tape will work and is gone out to the shop! Yes, soon the bliss of feeling clean and having clean hair will be mine. Hurrah! (and remember, there will be no more time-wasting, mind-cluttering blogs about inconsequential holidays this month) What a great Day for a celebration!!
(Chicken Soup is ALWAYS great when you're under the weather, right?
Chicken Rice Soup
1 c. uncooked wild rice
3 c. diced, cooked chicken breast
2 T. chicken bouillon
1 onion, chopped
5 c. water
4 potatoes, cubed
1 1/2 c. milk
2 T. flour
In a large saucepan over medium-high heat, bring rice, chicken, bouillon, onion and water to a boil. Remove from heat and pour into slow cooker. Stir in potatoes. Combine milk and flour and stir until smooth. Stir into soup mixture. Cook 6 to 8 hours, until rice and potatoes are tender and flavors are well blended.
Friday, February 27, 2009
National Polar Bear Day
Happy National/International Polar Bear Day!
I can’t find any history or place of origin for this holiday, but grade schools and zoos across the world celebrate it.
It’s a special day honoring this animal which has one of the best noses in the entire world. Polar Bears can smell food 20 miles away. (Never get between a polar bear and your local sushi bar or Red Lobster)
They use their big dark tongues to taste things. Just like me, polar bears like some foods better than others. Polar bears like lots of fat (My mouth waters at the thought of a baked potato loaded with butter and sour cream!) Some days they chew seaweed. What can I say, I like an occasional salad myself.
Growing up, I believed that their hairs were hollow and conducted ultraviolet light down the shafts to the bears black skin conducting energy used to keep the bear warm. This theory was tested—and disproved—by physicist Daniel Koon. So much for that idea. It sounded good at the time. I also believed that polar bears would lay in the snow and cover up their black noses so the seals wouldn’t see them in time to get away.
If you get lost up in the arctic, you can always ask a polar bear the way (just make sure you’re not wearing a sealskin coat when you do!) Polar bears have an incredible sense of direction. Even though the ice can change from day-to-day, and the night can last six months, polar bears always find their way – even swimming to shore from ice bergs 50 miles at sea. They never use a map. I personally think it’s because they can’t re-fold them. While their sense of touch is extremely keen, they have problems with their fine motor skills..
Need some ideas on how to celebrate today? Tops on my list is visiting the local zoo (I actually did this a week ago, and checked out the polar bears at the zoo in Tucson, all right, maybe that’s not exactly our local zoo, but it’s almost as close) If you’re not into springtime at the zoo, check the nature channels on cable TV. The networks often pick up on holidays like today, and run documentaries.
Did you Know?
It was once believed that all polar bears are left handed. Scientists observing the animals haven't noticed a preference. In fact, polar bears seem to use their right and left paws equally.
Polar Bear Casserole
1 package of ice cream sandwiches
1 can of your favorite frosting (polar bears prefer seal flavored)
1 small container of Cool Whip, thawed
Line a 8x8-inch pan with some of the ice cream sandwiches. Heat the frosting in the microwave for only a few seconds until pourable. (Be sure that the frosting container is microwave safe.) Pour some frosting over the ice cream sandwiches. Cover with layer of cool whip. Repeat the layers, topping with extra cool whip. Freeze until needed. Cut into squares to serve.
I can’t find any history or place of origin for this holiday, but grade schools and zoos across the world celebrate it.
It’s a special day honoring this animal which has one of the best noses in the entire world. Polar Bears can smell food 20 miles away. (Never get between a polar bear and your local sushi bar or Red Lobster)
They use their big dark tongues to taste things. Just like me, polar bears like some foods better than others. Polar bears like lots of fat (My mouth waters at the thought of a baked potato loaded with butter and sour cream!) Some days they chew seaweed. What can I say, I like an occasional salad myself.
Growing up, I believed that their hairs were hollow and conducted ultraviolet light down the shafts to the bears black skin conducting energy used to keep the bear warm. This theory was tested—and disproved—by physicist Daniel Koon. So much for that idea. It sounded good at the time. I also believed that polar bears would lay in the snow and cover up their black noses so the seals wouldn’t see them in time to get away.
If you get lost up in the arctic, you can always ask a polar bear the way (just make sure you’re not wearing a sealskin coat when you do!) Polar bears have an incredible sense of direction. Even though the ice can change from day-to-day, and the night can last six months, polar bears always find their way – even swimming to shore from ice bergs 50 miles at sea. They never use a map. I personally think it’s because they can’t re-fold them. While their sense of touch is extremely keen, they have problems with their fine motor skills..
Need some ideas on how to celebrate today? Tops on my list is visiting the local zoo (I actually did this a week ago, and checked out the polar bears at the zoo in Tucson, all right, maybe that’s not exactly our local zoo, but it’s almost as close) If you’re not into springtime at the zoo, check the nature channels on cable TV. The networks often pick up on holidays like today, and run documentaries.
Did you Know?
It was once believed that all polar bears are left handed. Scientists observing the animals haven't noticed a preference. In fact, polar bears seem to use their right and left paws equally.
Polar Bear Casserole
1 package of ice cream sandwiches
1 can of your favorite frosting (polar bears prefer seal flavored)
1 small container of Cool Whip, thawed
Line a 8x8-inch pan with some of the ice cream sandwiches. Heat the frosting in the microwave for only a few seconds until pourable. (Be sure that the frosting container is microwave safe.) Pour some frosting over the ice cream sandwiches. Cover with layer of cool whip. Repeat the layers, topping with extra cool whip. Freeze until needed. Cut into squares to serve.
Saturday, February 14, 2009
Single Awareness Day
Happy Single’s Awareness Day! Yes, that’s right, today is Singles Awareness Day (unless of course, you’re one of those radicals who celebrate it Feb 13th or 15th.) Suggested activities for this day are sending yourself flowers and cards, reading poetry to yourself, going out for dinner or planning parties for other singles to mix and meet and to participate in some sort of single's event. (This is especially recommended if you don't WANT to be single. Of course, for those who kind of like being single it's a blessing and a reason to have some fun!) Whatever you do though, when celebrating SAD, you must avoid reading such poems as:
Being the recipient of a dozen roses today from my sweetest of hearts, I have to admit there is another holiday celebrated today. (I won’t get sloppy by enumerating all of his strengths, but will say he’s good at everything he does!)
In ancient Roman society, Feb 15 was the date on which the annual fertility festival was held. Young Roman men would draw the name of a young woman from out of an urn and then would exchange gifts with her on Festival day. In 463, Pope Gelasius decided to put a Christian spin on this pagan holiday and declared that it was now to honor St. Valentine, martyred on Feb. 14th.
Which one?
Valentine of Rome was a priest in Rome who suffered martyrdom on Feb. 14, 269 AD. According to a biography of Saint Valentine by Robert Sabuda, the priest was also a doctor who would treat patients even if they could not pay him.
His legend: During a ban on marriages of Roman soldiers by the Emperor Claudius II who felt that love and marriage would create unnecessary distractions for his soldiers. It would distract them from warfare. St. Valentine secretly helped arrange marriages.
Valentine of Terni was bishop of Interamna (modern Terni) about AD 197 and is said to have been killed on February 14th, during the persecution of Emperor Aurelian.
Legend: On the evening before Valentine was to be martyred for being a Christian, he passed a love note to his jailer's daughter that read, "From your Valentine."
There is a third St. Valentine from Africa who was also martyred on February 14, but I don’t know his story( I’m sure there’s some mention of love in it somewhere with a name like Valentine)
Valentinius of Alexandria (c. 100 - c. 153) was a candidate for Bishop of Rome in 143. In his teachings, the marriage bed assumed a central place in his version of Christian love, an emphasis sharply contrasting with the asceticism of mainstream Christianity.
By the middle Ages, people started referring to each other as “valentines” and exchanged “I love you’s” on Feb. 14th. Things were carried so far that a "High Court of Love" was established in Paris on Valentine's Day in 1400. The court dealt with love contracts, betrayals, and violence against women. Judges were selected by women on the basis of a poetry reading.
The earliest surviving valentine dates from 1415. It is a poem written by Charles, Duke of Orleans to his wife. At the time, the duke was being held in the Tower of London following his capture at the Battle of Agincourt.
Esther Howland (1828-1904) of Worcester, Massachusetts is credited with mass producing the first Valentines cards in the US. Her father operated a large book and stationery store, and she took her inspiration from an English valentine she received.
In the second half of the 20th century, the practice of exchanging cards expanded and people started exchanging gifts, typically roses and chocolates. In the 1980s, the diamond industry began to promote Valentine's Day as an occasion for giving jewelry.
Personally, I think that the best gift you can share on Valentines Day (along with roses) is the gift of laughter, so, courtesy of Reader’s Digest Here’s a few laughs.:
My high-school English teacher was well known for being a fair, but hard, grader. One day I received a B minus on a theme paper. In hopes of bettering my grade and in the spirit of the valentine season, I sent her an extravagant heart-shaped box of chocolates with the pre-printed inscription: "BE MINE." The following day, I received in return a valentine from the teacher. It read: "Thank you, but it's still BE MINE-US."
-- Contributed by Brad Wilcox
During World War II my parents had planned a romantic Valentine's Day wedding. Suddenly my father, then stationed at Camp Edwards in Massachusetts, received orders to prepare to ship out, and all leaves were canceled. Being a young man in love, he went AWOL. He and my mother were married four days earlier than originally planned and he returned to base to an angry sergeant. After hearing the explanation, the sergeant understandingly replied, "Okay, okay!" Then, as an afterthought: "But don't let it happen again!"
-- Contributed by Sandra L. Caron
The lingerie store where my aunt works was crowded with shoppers selecting Valentine's Day gifts for their wives. A young businessman came to the register with a lacy black negligee. My aunt noticed that the next customer, an elderly farmer, was holding a long flannel nightgown and kept glancing at the younger man's sexier choice. When it was his turn, the farmer placed the nightgown on the counter. "Would you have anything in black flannel?" He asked.
-- Contributed by Christine A. Pandolfo
*** to my handsomest husband in the whole world*** Love you~~Me
My love is like a artichoke
Divided into two
The leaves I give to others,
The heart I give to you
or
You may not “carrot” all for me
The way I care for you
You may “turnip” your nose
When I plead with you
But if your “heart” should “beet” with mine
Tomorrow “lettuce” hope
There is no reason in the world
Why we “cantaloupe”
Divided into two
The leaves I give to others,
The heart I give to you
or
You may not “carrot” all for me
The way I care for you
You may “turnip” your nose
When I plead with you
But if your “heart” should “beet” with mine
Tomorrow “lettuce” hope
There is no reason in the world
Why we “cantaloupe”
Being the recipient of a dozen roses today from my sweetest of hearts, I have to admit there is another holiday celebrated today. (I won’t get sloppy by enumerating all of his strengths, but will say he’s good at everything he does!)
In ancient Roman society, Feb 15 was the date on which the annual fertility festival was held. Young Roman men would draw the name of a young woman from out of an urn and then would exchange gifts with her on Festival day. In 463, Pope Gelasius decided to put a Christian spin on this pagan holiday and declared that it was now to honor St. Valentine, martyred on Feb. 14th.
Which one?
Valentine of Rome was a priest in Rome who suffered martyrdom on Feb. 14, 269 AD. According to a biography of Saint Valentine by Robert Sabuda, the priest was also a doctor who would treat patients even if they could not pay him.
His legend: During a ban on marriages of Roman soldiers by the Emperor Claudius II who felt that love and marriage would create unnecessary distractions for his soldiers. It would distract them from warfare. St. Valentine secretly helped arrange marriages.
Valentine of Terni was bishop of Interamna (modern Terni) about AD 197 and is said to have been killed on February 14th, during the persecution of Emperor Aurelian.
Legend: On the evening before Valentine was to be martyred for being a Christian, he passed a love note to his jailer's daughter that read, "From your Valentine."
There is a third St. Valentine from Africa who was also martyred on February 14, but I don’t know his story( I’m sure there’s some mention of love in it somewhere with a name like Valentine)
Valentinius of Alexandria (c. 100 - c. 153) was a candidate for Bishop of Rome in 143. In his teachings, the marriage bed assumed a central place in his version of Christian love, an emphasis sharply contrasting with the asceticism of mainstream Christianity.
By the middle Ages, people started referring to each other as “valentines” and exchanged “I love you’s” on Feb. 14th. Things were carried so far that a "High Court of Love" was established in Paris on Valentine's Day in 1400. The court dealt with love contracts, betrayals, and violence against women. Judges were selected by women on the basis of a poetry reading.
The earliest surviving valentine dates from 1415. It is a poem written by Charles, Duke of Orleans to his wife. At the time, the duke was being held in the Tower of London following his capture at the Battle of Agincourt.
Esther Howland (1828-1904) of Worcester, Massachusetts is credited with mass producing the first Valentines cards in the US. Her father operated a large book and stationery store, and she took her inspiration from an English valentine she received.
In the second half of the 20th century, the practice of exchanging cards expanded and people started exchanging gifts, typically roses and chocolates. In the 1980s, the diamond industry began to promote Valentine's Day as an occasion for giving jewelry.
Personally, I think that the best gift you can share on Valentines Day (along with roses) is the gift of laughter, so, courtesy of Reader’s Digest Here’s a few laughs.:
My high-school English teacher was well known for being a fair, but hard, grader. One day I received a B minus on a theme paper. In hopes of bettering my grade and in the spirit of the valentine season, I sent her an extravagant heart-shaped box of chocolates with the pre-printed inscription: "BE MINE." The following day, I received in return a valentine from the teacher. It read: "Thank you, but it's still BE MINE-US."
-- Contributed by Brad Wilcox
During World War II my parents had planned a romantic Valentine's Day wedding. Suddenly my father, then stationed at Camp Edwards in Massachusetts, received orders to prepare to ship out, and all leaves were canceled. Being a young man in love, he went AWOL. He and my mother were married four days earlier than originally planned and he returned to base to an angry sergeant. After hearing the explanation, the sergeant understandingly replied, "Okay, okay!" Then, as an afterthought: "But don't let it happen again!"
-- Contributed by Sandra L. Caron
The lingerie store where my aunt works was crowded with shoppers selecting Valentine's Day gifts for their wives. A young businessman came to the register with a lacy black negligee. My aunt noticed that the next customer, an elderly farmer, was holding a long flannel nightgown and kept glancing at the younger man's sexier choice. When it was his turn, the farmer placed the nightgown on the counter. "Would you have anything in black flannel?" He asked.
-- Contributed by Christine A. Pandolfo
*** to my handsomest husband in the whole world*** Love you~~Me
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