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Chapter 23, Divine Revelation and Fried Rice (Part 2)
Up until now, I have always lived by obeying my commands. And up until now, I have never doubted that. I think that's how it'll be in the future too. It isn't a bad way to live, is what I believe. That person's commands are more important than my dignity.
In the first place, I was someone who was found. As someone who was found, it is only natural to live for the one who found me. I cannot harbor any doubts. Nor any hopes. If I was told to die then I must die. If it was for that person, I must die without hesitation, without regret. And I would happily accept that.
However, if possible, I want to die by Princess Tebis' command. That person had told me that I was cute like a dog. No wait, I think she actually said that I was just like a dog? In any case, the Princess has watched over me. After all, someone like me, who had lived like an animal all her life was told that she was cute, like a proper female.
If it was for that person, then I could die. That is me.
Special Movements Unit, Spy, Wutin.
Lately the days just pass by with me feeling ever so lost. And the cause of that is a man, the cook of the mercenary corps, Shuri Azuma. It is due to his existence that my heart has been caught up in a turmoil.
He is quite a mysterious individual. Whipping up dishes that had captured even the tongue of my most precious Princess. Truly, a very mysterious cook. His cooking had caused even me, to fall.
He is mysterious. And I'll say this just one last time, but he is truly a very mysterious individual. The camouflage technique that I practice daily was somehow seen through by him. I had hidden myself in the corner for the sake of guarding the Princess, yet there are times when he would somehow just come over and hand provisions over to me. Even though no one should have noticed me, he would end up finding me in an instant.
I was surprised… Even though no one should have known that I was here, only Shuri would unhesitatingly look at my eyes, and come directly towards me to give me a plate.
I had thought to say, 'Eating while on duty is…', but the dish he handed to me was simple and since it was easy to eat even for someone in the middle of work, I accepted it graciously. Honestly, it was something I should not have done, but I had been hungry at that very moment.
How do I describe that… So delicious.
What I had eaten at that moment, was a very simple dish, merely rice fried with some vegetables and meat.
However, it was really delicious. Light, filling to the stomach and above all, wasn't bitter to eat.
Someone who has taken on the role as a spy or a secret agent, have times when they have no choice in what eat, even eating literal garbage. Since we must deceive the target at all costs, perhaps even gather information in secret at times, we cannot hope for any sort of good food. Additionally, I am also acting as the Princess' guard.
That is why I never have a set time to seat. And why my food is never anything good. In the first place, the food that I eat cannot honestly be said to be always made of edible ingredients.
Being able to eat such a… delicious and warm meal, made me feel happy for some reason.
And that's how I came to like that dish known as Fried Rice.
It's a secret but even when I'm in the middle of work, I would look forward to Shuri giving me fried rice when he notices me.
So I was incredibly surprised today. It was the second greatest surprise of my entire life.
I mean, while I was doing my duties as the Princess' guard this morning, I was given an order.
"Wutin! You shall be Shuri's guard for today! Active immediately, go!"
It was for just a moment, but I thought maybe I had misinterpreted the Princess' order, or maybe I had gone deaf. Thinking that I should check whether or not my ears were working, I lightly hit the side of my head.
After all, I'm supposed to be the Princess' guard, right? What purpose does a guard serve, when they are to leave the one they protect alone and go protect someone else? What would happen if, while I was protecting someone else, something happens to the Princess?
Hearing my doubts, the Princess smiles and said to me.
"Do not fret, you protecting Shuri is not dissimilar to protecting me, noja!"
"I… do not… understand."
My doubts are reasonable, are they not? Just how does me protecting Shuri end up the same as protecting the Princess? How troubling, my head cannot comprehend this.
However, the Princess suddenly made a serious face and said.
"Well, We will tell you the reason once you return. Furthermore, you will also be protecting Ekress. You don't need me to spell this out for you, right?
This I do understand.
Ekress is a royalty of this land. If that person were to meet with her real mother, we may be able to get ahold of some sort of information.
What the Princess means to say is, to secretly investigate that. Understood.
"I shall… do… my best."
"Keep in mind. 20% on the information, 80% on guarding Shuri, alright?!"
Being sent out without a spare second to air my doubts, I changed into the outfit I was to wear on this mission.
Although it appeared to be a simple maid outfit, it was actually heavily equipped within.
Carrying my chain mail, hidden weapons, short swords, throwing needles, etc, I headed towards the stables.
This is because, if I recall, they were going to go on horseback. And recalling the distance they were travelling, horseback would certainly be the most effective method of transportation. Whether it be the effort, speed or time.
In spite of that I saw a strange sight when I arrived at the stables.
I understand why Ekress was on a horse. I understand that, but Shuri didn't even look like he wanted to get on the horse.
"Come on Shuri, hurry up and get on."
For some reason, Shuri was scared just by the sight of a horse.
I couldn't imagine this for a normal man, but somehow, since it was Shuri, I could understand.
"I… I can't ride a horse."
Yes, Shuri can't ride a horse. Or rather, he doesn't get along with horses.
He would fall off if he gets on, waist would hurt if he tried riding it, and the biggest problem of all seemed to stem from the fact that he just couldn't communicate with the horses.
Suddenly, I felt like burying my head into my hands. I mean, I just couldn't believe that a person so hated by horses, standing in front of me right now. I didn't relish the fact that we were wasting so much time here though. I just want to come back quickly and return to being the Princess' guard.
To begin with, knowing how to ride a horse is an honour and serves as the absolute minimum for life on a battlefield. Even peasants who may not know how to ride a horse would be used to raising horses for the sake of lugging their luggage around. It acted as a great obstacle for one's daily life should one not be compatible with horses whatsoever. It was quite inconvenient. At least it should be. Perhaps in his case, his tremendous cooking ability may have been serving as the balance to this weakness of his, but I just couldn't believe it after seeing him so frightened at the mere sight of a horse.
Shuri was looking very troubled.
"First of all, where I'm from, there isn't a custom of riding horses and it was actually rather rare to be able to ride horse."
Hm? Rare? To ride a horse? How strange. He spoke in a particular manner as if suggesting there were modes of transport other than riding horses.
From time to time, Shuri would say things that didn't seem quite from this world. It was possible for him to be clueless about the physics in this world and it wouldn't alert too many, but even if he didn't know things that were common sense, he was very clever in very strange areas. The mystery continues.
"Come on, let's go."
Ekress lends her hand out to Shuri. Shuri then takes that hand.
What? Is it weird that I can suddenly picture a scene straight of a play? A story that came straight out of a fairytale, a female knight and her prince.
Hmm… Ekress is a little too masculine. And because of that, Shuri's seems rather inadequate in comparison. It would usually be the other way around.
Shuri… once you've taken that hand, I feel like you'll be on the path of no return…
And then we left.
Our destination this time around is to go to meet Ekress' birth mother. According to our intel, Ekress' mother, who had been off the map until now, was a woman by the name of Envy Sounity. No matter what they did, the two who had been given the punishment of exile were not even allowed to cross to another country, having said that though, neither could they interact with anyone from within the country, and were thus locked in a place where they could interfere with anything.
The reason likely to be the following: Trouble could potentially brew should they accidentally meet someone and be plotted against. In addition to that, it would also be troublesome were they to collude with foreign lords and royalty, and started a rebellion. That's why they did it in such a way. It can be said to be the correct method.
Our route first begins when we leave the standard highways and enter a forest, it seems that deep within was where an abandoned church was. It was a distance that would take some time.
Shuri and Ekress rode one horse together while I walked.
Disregarding Shuri, although Ekress wasn't weak on her feet and the forest already had somewhat of a path cleared out, it's still a bit far so a horse was necessary.
However, I train my body daily, practice martial arts, combat techniques and spy techniques for the Princess thus a distance like this was no problem.
I have more confidence in my endurance than ordinary soldiers. In fact, if I were to clash with the weaker soldiers I would clearly win.
"Look Shuri-kun, it's this way."
Yes, I can say for sure that I am stronger than that cook over there. I mean, honestly, apart from Cougar I could probably deal with ordinary day soldiers one way or another. It may be a tough fight however if I was to fight Ahrius or Riru who used Magic and Magic Engineering. That's how much trust I have towards my abilities.
Nevertheless… how do I say this, that really is kind of embarrassing…
Being a man, I believe that it is a duty to be skilled in horse riding and martial arts. Rather, in these times of turmoil, it was wholly due to being skilled in those skills that allow you to survive. Because you don't know exactly where something or someone may appear to harm you, it should be a given that you would have a method of protecting yourself.
However, Shuri's skill set does not contain combat. All he has are cooking skills.
As well as the luck to put those skills into use.
He has taught me that that is another form of strength. After all, despite these times of strife, he is displaying a tremendous ability to survive. He doesn't have the ability to harm his foes, but the ability to support his allies. That is what he possesses.
"Are you alright?"
"No, my butt hurts."
"Shuri-kun, have you never ridden a horse before?"
Shuri shakes his head in agreement.
"Ahh, you're not used to horses."
"….Is that bad?"
"Well, it's considered common knowledge for the people on this continent, so it doesn't make you look very cool."
Ekress, you can't say that to a man… Shuri's tearing up. He's so pitiful. It's as if his confidence as a man was crumbling into pieces at this very moment.
"Um, Shuri-kun."
"As a man, you shouldn't be crying in front of people, you know?"
…these two, why weren't they born into the opposite gender.
I think that if Ekress was a man and Shuri was a woman then they would look perfect, like a wonderful painting.
…What if they were both men?
Hah! I feel like I can see the gateway into a brand new world! However, I feel like I would never be able to return should it open, thus I'll lock it up and throw the key away.
"Ekress-san. You're just so cool."
Some semblance of irony and what remained of Shuri's dignity seemed to have been squeezed dry from those words. It was probably the best he could hit back at her at any rate.
Let's stop it there, Shuri. That smile of yours mixed with all the sufferings of the world, guilt and pain is really starting to scare me.
"Ehehe, I'm so happy you'll say that."
However! Shuri's attack fails, and hearing that fierce comeback Shuri's self-respect shatters into smithereens! Ahh, I can't bear to watch…! Shuri's eyes no longer contain any light, becoming a pitch black cavity, completely empty!
I've seen that exact look before…! It's the same face made by a despairing soldier right before their death!
"….So why is Wutin-san here?"
What! In order to protect his dignity which teetered on the edge of shattering, he shifted the conversation topic to me!
"The princess, said, just in case."
However, I'm safe as long as I have this card.
The Princess too said this, "Shuri is quite the simple man, ja! You can trick him with this!"
By getting past this question, I shall achieve my goal and act out the role that has been given to me.
"What? No, shouldn't you be the one by the princess' side just in case?"
…. It's quite troubling… that you would say that.
"….Just in case."
"Alright, I get it. I can't really complain if you're here to protect me."
Phew, seems like I tricked him somehow. A little bit of cold sweat ran down my back.
Shuri turned back to the front and asked Ekress.
"So, Ekress-san. We're going to go meet you and Gann-san's mothers, that's the plan, right?"
Shuri's asked as a confirmation. If I was the Princess then I think I would say, "At this rate, aren't you just meeting her parents? Do you think you're going there to ask for her hand in marriage, and did you think We would allow for that?"
We would worry if she went by herself…. It's because Shuri understands this, which is why I think the Princess allowed him to go with her.
Parents… huh. It's not something I've ever known.
No, in a way, the Princess and the commanders who picked me up can be considered family to me. That is undeniable.
However I have no idea when it comes to blood relatives, actual parents. Does one have to be connected by blood? Or is it that, if you're not registered under a family tree then you're not a part of a family?
Damn it, if I have the time to think about things like this, I should focus it towards my job.
"Hmm… I'm also a little worried. I haven't met my mother in a long time. I'm not really sure what face to make when I see her."
"I think you should just smile."
…Smile? Shuri said as he counted his fingers.
"Just say, I'm back, or welcome home, or it's been a while… in any case, how about just smiling and say a little greeting first?"
To start with a greeting.
What is this? What exactly is Shuri talking about? Isn't it clear that it isn't such a simple matter.
If everything would be okay with just a greeting, then she wouldn't be so troubled.
"…It's not… that easy, you know."
"Well obviously it wouldn't be. I'm saying that it will be hard. Not that it would be easy."
"However, I don't think that you should give up just because it's hard. How about you don't think of it like you're doing this for the sake of making up with her, or fixing your relationship. Just think of it as a way to find a solution for yourself."
Not for them, but for yourself…
Before I knew it, I too got intrigued by what Shuri was saying. Shuri's words have a certain appeal to them that can charm people.
"You have to find the answer from within your heart. First you have to find it in yourself to forget the past. I say forget, but as long as you don't hate each other then, the gap between the two of you will naturally close."
Is that really how it is, I wonder as I walk next to Shuri.
Naturally, it's not a simple matter. It's because its a reunion between an estranged parent and child. After such a long time they would have no idea what to expect. It's a scene that even someone without parents like me can picture in my head.
However the ones who don't understand each other the most would be the parent and the child, right?
Perhaps he said it knowing that Ekress and her mother don't hate each other? I wonder what will happen? Who knows what sort of feelings Ekress' mother might be harboring for her.
No, Shuri knows. Surely, both of them wish to meet each other. Which is why he said that.
As long as you don't hate each other why not be happy when you can meet once again?
….Sometimes Shuri really does surprise you.
Just when you would think that he was spacing out as usual, he would suddenly say a string of thought provoking words, just like now.
Perhaps how he acts normally is merely a disguise to hide the cleverness that he truly possesses. Although you would never be able to guess that looking at how he normally acts.
"…. Yes, thank you Shuri-kun. You've given me a bit of courage."
Ekress' face had some colour returned to it.
I guess her mood's improved a little. In which case, Shuri is truly an impressive person.
"Thank you."
Shuri's dignity as a man seemed to have taken another hit seeing Ekress turn around and thank him, but let's just say I didn't see that. Geez, you two might as well just swap genders.
"What do they worship at this church?"
"God, right?"
"No, what sort of god?"
"Hm? God is god. There aren't other gods are there?"
"Don't they have a name or religious doctrines, or something?"
"In this day and age, some people just want to be able to praise a god. The source of these churches, the headquarters, was sure to have existed in the past, but they don't exist anymore. The country in power at the time didn't like that there were donations going towards the faith and so, attacked and abolished them."
Shuri and Ekress were talking about something but I wasn't listening at all. Looking at the destination that I had finally arrived at after such a long walk made me quite emotional. Naturally, it was not this particular place that evoked these feelings, just that it reminded me of a familiar scene.
I've seen a church like this before, a long time ago.
Back then, I too had been raised as an orphan in a church. I didn't even know the faces of my parents, but I had, at the very least, a person who raised me.
However, the church which raised me was nothing more than a prison for children. We were not adequately given, nor offered an education or food, and kept alive, right on the brink of death.
And then, once they've raised us to a certain extent, some sort of adult from some place would come and take us away.
I only found out about this later but those who are taken away seemed to have been used as meat shields for some terrible mercenary groups. Working together with the people of the church, they had received money to gather up a whole group of children. At the time, I didn't know any better and ran away from the church just on the fact that I hated the thought of being taken away by these scary adults, and did whatever I could to survive. In order to live, other than selling my body, I would kill, steal, anything. And in the end I was captured by the captain and met the Princess, thus I am here.
I have not a clue what has happened to that church now. I have no relation to that place, and I have never met any of the other children that had been there ever since. We were all in the same group however we never considered each other friends, or even held the slightest thought of care towards one another. Ever since then, I had never went any where near that church ever again.
After all, back then we might have had to steal what little everyone else had, just to be able to eat. It was hell there. It was a place where just in order to live you would have to assault the child next to you.
Which is why I have no good thoughts when it comes to the place called a church. On the contrary, it was a place I would avoid at all costs.
"The churches had, at the very least, been preserved but, there are no donations or any believers anymore. Right now, only a handful of pious believers remain, keeping the church alive out of their own pocket. Nevertheless, the Father who is doing all that is loved by all and even raises orphans.
However, the church we are going to now, is only fronting the name of a 'church', and is in fact more well known for being the hidden residence of the Feudal lords' clan. Furthermore, it is also the place where my mother and Gann's… brother's mother is being held."
If that sort of church had actually existed then my entire life up to this point could have changed. Thus I felt an urge to snort from the shadows upon just hearing that.
Maybe it's because reality just wasn't so sweet. Perhaps I just had a bad fate.
It just makes me laugh. Those sort of churches do exist but in reality there are also churches that sell children. There are also churches that plunder under the guise of faith, and even churches that are indistinguishable from armies.
The thing that Ekress doesn't understand, in order words neither the Lord or country understand, is that a church is nothing but a name for a facility that imprisons children and exploit monetary offerings.
…I have to stop. These dark feelings within have no meaning any longer.
It's already a thing of the past. I am no longer a person associated with them.
"However, the church we are going to now, is only fronting the name of a 'church', and is in fact more well known for being the hidden residence of the Feudal lords' clan. Furthermore, it is also the place where my mother and Gann's… brother's mother is being held."
Indeed, in the end churches were left behind for such purposes.
It's very likely that there's not even a single trace of a priest in there. Nothing but the bare minimums for living. Truly, a church indeed.
We arrive before the church as my thoughts continue to run, and Shuri gets down from his horse before looking around curiously.
It really isn't that rare a sight though. Nevertheless, he looked over every detail.
However, Ekress remained seated on top of the horse.
"…It truly is quite fearful… having to finally meet her."
As I thought, Ekress is afraid, no, perhaps hesitant, would be the better word.
She still felt some hesitation in her after all.
Even if she receives the motivation, everything from the first step still stems from the person herself. Let's not talk about me, even Shuri can't do anything about this.
"Ekress-san, you have no reason to feel so scared-"
Shuri approaches Ekress out of worry, but I turned around immediately detecting a presence from behind.
The doors open, and a female figure stares over in this direction.
Her silver hair reached down to her waist, and she had this air around her that was somewhat similar to Ekress'.
Despite her clothing not being much different to any other commoner, they were clean and wrinkle free.
Ahh, I see. I understand it all now.
I take my hand away from my waist, and decided to watch how it plays out.
After all, it was none of my business from here on.
The woman rushed over to me and Shuri's side, approaching Ekress who was on the horse.
"Ekress?! You're Ekress, right?!"
"Eh? Eh?"
"It's me, Ekress! Envy Sounity!
Just as I thought.
I kept quiet and watched on. Shuri seems to be frozen in shock though.
"Mo-, is that you mother?"
"Yes! Ekress, you're Ekress, right…. I'm so happy… so happy to see you…."
Yes, this woman is Envy Sounity.
Ekress' mother. And the target of this mission.
"I had thought that they might have even… exiled you as well but….! That doesn't seem to be it…! I'm just so glad you're safe…!"
Jumping down from her horse, Ekress hugs Envy.
Hugging her tightly, and cried.
She looked completely different from everything up until now, there was no worry nor fear.
She was just crying happily.
Shuri, what you said was correct. As long as they could smile happily at each other when they meet, everything would be alright.
That's what I thought, seeing the two of them come together as if to fill up all the time they had lost together.
As well as the thought that this might be what a family is.
The two of them calm down, and we were lead inside.
Inside was no different to the church that I had once lived in. Several long benches were lined up, and at the front was an altar and table.
Before, during the golden age of churches, places like this was where the churches dogmas would be taught, as well as where people would make their prayers.
However, I have no memory of this. The place I had lived in, not only do I not recall such things, it wasn't even all that difficult to imagine what I would have been subjected to if I had not run away. Maybe I would've been sold, or become a human shield, and even taken advantage of. That's the kind of place it was.
Well, it's already a thing of the past so it's not like I recall it all that often in any case.
It's not like I tried to forget it because it's painful to recall. I forgot because I just don't care.
However, looking at the interior decoration today, it was faint, but the memories still managed to make themselves up to the surface.
A dark room, children dressed in crude, worn out clothes, the glare in their eyes as they attacked the food within the darkness… Me, who had struggled to survive amongst them.
I have to stop. Thinking about these things won't change anything.
"Madam! Why did you suddenly run out-….!!"
As I was engrossed in my own thoughts, a maid came running out from the antechamber.
A woman wearing a worn out maid outfit. However, that person too, had the features of another.
She looked similar to Gann Rubber.
"It can't be… Ekress-sama… is that you?"
"That's right Marille! Ekress is alive! She's dressed in male clothes for some reason, but she's safe!"
So she's Gann Rubber's mother, Marille Rubber. No wonder I thought she looked like Gann. However, that means that these two had been exiled to the exact same place. No, she originally shared a deep bond with Envy. Perhaps, they were put together since they both had nice figures?
Even so… taking a quick glance at Ekress, I smile wryly.
I couldn't possibly tell them that after wearing male clothing for countless years on end, she wound up being a woman who only looked good dressed in male clothing. The person in question seems to have noticed it too, yet couldn't bring it in herself to say it.
"So, it seems… that's great… so great…! Please take a seat over there. I'll get some tea ready right away!"
After saying so, Marille brings out some chairs and a table from the antechamber.
I mean, we can't really form a conversation of any sort with these long benches and altars, so it makes sense.
Shuri and Ekress were whispering quietly to each other, but I had something else to do in this period.
I must survey and investigate this facility.
It's quite strange from the get-go. The fact that the Lord's concubine and mistress were confined here.
It's true that this facility, having the appearance of a church, should be able to function as a refuge for the Lord's family. In that case, it wasn't strange to think that there would also exist reserve rations and a hidden exit to escape from. If these had been utilised then, it would be strange to think that they didn't escape.
Perhaps it was because it was just the two of them so there were some difficulties involved.
However, I have this unsettling feeling.
In the first place, the fact that there was a church hidden in the depths of a forest was strange.
In such a location, you wouldn't be able to gain any believers, and travel would also be difficult.
The act of earning donations through faith. And then using those donations for acts of goodness. In such a location where you could not even imagine such fundamental church activities to be performed or function.
It just didn't make any sense.
Seeing that the ladies were busy talking, I departed from the scene.
They seem like they would be talking for a while. I have time.
The Antechamber, the confessional booth, the office, the bedrooms…. I searched every corner of the place.
However, it was here I noticed something.
The functions necessary for one to operate as a church was far too lacking.
There was no insignia that represented their dogma, and there was not even a single book regarding their studies in the office.
It was just like I had thought. This was a church in name only.
Furthermore, this place was not the refuge for the Lord.
It was a facility specifically for the exiled family members of the Lord. In other words, this was an isolation facility.
How had I reached this conclusion, you may ask. It was something I realised only after taking a look around, but there was no hidden safety escape path of any sort here, nor was there any warehouse of any kind to store adequate quantities of reserve rations. There were rooms that were kind of big, but it was far too unreliable to serve as a welcome for the Feudal Lord's clan's final frontier.
"I see"
Coming to the end of my investigations, I proceeded to record the details in a hidden notebook.
It wasn't that they didn't run away, it's more-so that they couldn't run away. There were no evacuation escape paths, and it was quite far from human civilisation. They couldn't possibly enter the city, and having said that, even if they had went to another country, they wouldn't be able to prepare for such a thing having been in this sort of place. Finally, should they consider their children who were still within the city then escape wouldn't even be an option for them.
…Still, it's weird.
While this is most definitely an isolation facility, there has to be a reason as to why they made such a facility to look and function almost exactly like a church.
Perhaps, in the past, there was "A blood relative who had to be subjected to this" or perhaps they needed a place for "Certain personnel who they had to seal away". These are merely my own conjectures, but let's try to think of a hypothesis for this.
Just what crime had that "personnel" committed? Did they murder someone from the clan or could it be that… they knew something that they shouldn't have? Or maybe they had simply lost in a power struggle?
…Neither the bookshelf in the office, nor any other rooms have any records or traces that suggest that. Not a diary, not a record.
Just in case, I had searched the place one more time to look for evidence that this place was not an isolation facility, and tried to look for a hidden escape, hidden storage, hidden assets, but nothing.
Just what happened here? Or could it be that this place was created because something had happened?
…This isn't good, I don't have sufficient information. I can only report to the Princess about what I've seen, and investigated.
Luckily, I am here as Shuri's guard. If Shuri was to go back, then I would also be able to go back.
Also, I don't think Shuri would want to intrude on their happy family reunion. He'll probably decide to go back soon.
It's already been quite a while since I've separated from them. Let's return.
I thoroughly tidy up all traces of my disturbances, and returned to where they were.
It's all so strange… And since I understand that much, it's fine.
If I could report this to the Princess then, she should be able to fill me in with the happenings.
That's what I believe.
Just as I arrive back to where Shuri and the others were, he seemed as if he was now heading to another room.
This, could it be… cooking?!
Full of anticipation, I quietly followed behind Shuri.
Luckily I was not discovered…. For some reason, Shuri has the power to sense my presence, but it seems I'm safe this time.
Following behind Shuri, we arrive at the kitchen and he began selecting the ingredients.
"Guess I'll make some fried rice."
"Fried rice…!?"
I can't believe it, it's Fried rice. FRIED RICE!
I wait expectantly from behind Shuri, my eyes sparkling. Please let me have a taste or something!
It seems as if Shuri finally noticed that I was behind him, and turned around to say.
"Hey! Is it really alright for you to not be guarding Ekress-san and the others?"
What! Shuri's looking at me quite unamusedly! It's okay, I have a proper reason.
"I was requested, to protect, Shuri."
However I have absolute protection as my excu… I mean reason!
"Nonononono! Rather than protecting me, you should be protecting Ekress-san, right?!"
Shuri says with a desperate sort of elegance.
However, Shuri. What you said was incorrect.
"…You don't get it"
Exactly, Shuri hasn't realised it.
The value of Shuri. The importance of Shuri.
Shuri himself, does not comprehend it.
Seeing Shuri look so surprised, I said to him seriously.
"I… only, take action, by the Princess', command. The Princess' command, was to guard you, to protect Shuri. Anything, the Princess does not, mean, I do not act.
The Princess has, at this moment, judged that Shuri has more value, than Ekress."
Simply said, the Princess had informed me that what this era needs is none other than Shuri himself.
It's precisely due to these times of war and chaos that we need some sort of trigger, or poison. Or perhaps even, remedy.
Besides, to the people of Ganglabe's Mercenary Corp, Shuri is an existence that they would protect at any means.
If Shuri was not here then they would be the ones most troubled.
He was needed, both for his cooking skill and as a person.
His aloofness, naivete, and spontaneity.
Such a person could dig a place deep into Ganglabe and others' heart, making them feel safe.
Which is why, if Shuri was not here then they would not be happy.
The warring chaos would be resolved, or at least halted, using Ganglabe and the others.
Which is why nothing is going as the Princess is planning.
Well, it doesn't look like the person in question realises any of this though.
The person in question, after looking at me with a face full of disbelief, made a suspicious look.
"But I'm going to be cooking now so don't get in my…"
"I will not. Definitely will not. I have absolutely, no intention, of that."
"Is that right…"
Shuri didn't seem all that convinced so I added.
"As long as I can eat Fried rice"
In that instant, a hint of fear surfaced on Shuri's face. Why? Why did it seem like he had seen the root of all fears when he looked at me? Maybe it's just my imagination.
"…Well, alright then"
The words that Shuri let out sure sounded halfhearted.
As if the words had just been barely squeezed out, as if it caused a great deal of internal conflict, as if he had given up… In any case, they felt like words that he had arrived at after some scope of abnormal internal conflict, realising that nothing would change whether he wanted it to or not. However, no matter what he says or does, it doesn't change the fact that his cooking abilities are truly exceptional.
He has not stopped moving ever since he started cooking. It was as if every step he takes is composed of another three or four steps. There was not a single wasted effort.
He checks for any remaining rice, the ingredients, and then in his head seems to formulate the steps necessary to cook the dish.
He started to stir-fry the rice and egg… looks like he really is making Fried rice.
It wasn't straight-up frying, nor was it steaming.
He would stir the ingredients on top of a hot fry-pan.
I had once asked the Princess whether or not this technique has any significance.
She then replied with a great emphasis.
"What did you say! That technique you see…"
After that, I was taken in for a quite lengthy explanation which ended tiring me out.
To make a long story short, there is a difference, which is the most important thing.
Furthermore, another thing I took from it was that Shuri's technique was absolutely incredible.
In any case, he was once again using that so called stir-fry cooking technique, skillfully mixing all the ingredients together. It is quite a shocking view to behold when he would make the ingredients fly out of the pan with an arc.
Honestly speaking, it doesn't matter to me no matter what cooking technique he uses, however even a layman like me finds it amazing.
That is what makes the person Shuri Azuma.
While I was gawking at him like that, the dish looks like it was already finished.
Ahh, such beautiful golden fried rice.
The longer I look the more delicious it looks.
I want to eat it… just a bite…
"Alright, you'll get some too Wutin-san, so stay qui-"
Before that sentence had even finished I had already snatched myself a plate. I just couldn't wait anymore.
Ahh, it looks delicious. So… delicious.
I immediately scoop out a spoon of rice and stuff it into my mouth.
Ohh, incredible.
First of all, the fact that he added in chicken was wonderful.
In times like this, meat was rare and for the luxurious.
However, even amongst the different kinds of meats there was a difference in value.
Well, anyway things like chicken and bird meat were among the cheaper ones.
Apart from duck, I don't really like the other bird meats. If I had to give a reason, I find the fattier meats in duck rather delicious, but the chickens that usually circulate the markets are usually the old ones that can't lay eggs anymore. So those usually don't taste that good.
I don't really understand it but Ekress is infatuated with that Fried chicken dish.
However the chicken that was used in this fried rice was properly prepared; it was soft, and gave me a flavour of chicken I've never tasted before.
The umami of this bird diffuses through the rice and other ingredients, showcasing the faint sweetness of its fat and taste.
I had never thought that such flavour combinations could ever be born.
Besides all meats naturally have some sort of stink to them.
However the salt and pepper completely erases that smell resulting in only the taste of the chicken remaining.
And the egg. This was a must. Undoubtedly a must.
Fat is something that's really heavy in flavour. However, the egg covers every single grain of rice like a membrane, lightening that heaviness by quite a bit.
In addition to that, the rice grains came together very well with the salt and pepper.
Yes, the salt and pepper.
The salt and pepper that you would usually use a lot of, is in this instance used in moderation in order to tighten the flavours.
The amount is just right, bringing forth the flavour of the other ingredients.
That is Fried rice.
That is, justice.
[Yes, that is justice]
Hm? I felt like I heard Riru's voice for a second there… or was it just my imagination?
Oh well.
I tried my best to ignore the weird voices ringing in my head and demolished the Fried rice.
Mmm, it's delicious, every bit like I had imagined.
After I finished the meal I was hit by a sense of intoxication caused by my fullness and satisfaction.
It wasn't something I disliked by any means, so I let myself indulge a little.
"I knew it, delicious"
I whisper as such, and quietly placed the dish and spoon onto the kitchen table.
"Thank you, for the, meal."
I put my hands together and said.
This was something that Shuri taught me. I don't really know the details but I think it's basically something you do to express thanks to the ingredients and the cook.
In which case, it was something I needed to do.
After all, it was something that Shuri made, and my new favourite dish. I'm very satisfied.
After putting my emptied plate and the spoon into the sink, I take a peek at Ekress and the others from the kitchen, Envy and Marille looked very satisfied as well. A clear sign that it was tasty.
Looking at that, my evaluation of Shuri went up even further.
His cooking is something that even royalty would enjoy.
Given that it even satisfied the Princess, there's no way that the other royal clans would not be satisfied.
"Well then, I'll go clean up."
"Ahh, Shuri-san. Please allow me."
"Please hold on a second Marille-san. The cleaning up should be left to the person who cooked."
Smiling brightly, Shuri stepped forth to stop Marille-san, gathered the dishes and then brought the dishes from the table towards my direction.
Oh no, if he sees me being all unnatural here then he might be suspicious that I was sneaking around!
Now that its come to this, I'll substitute with Shuri… just as I was thinking that, the doors to the church opened.
The one who opened the doors with such force, was Cougar.
"Woah woah, I finally made it."
Cougar barges in and approaches Shuri… staring at Envy and Marille.
"Is that Ekress' mother, Shuri?"
"Yes. More than that, what did you come here for Cougar-san?"
"Hm? Well ya see, before that."
Cougar walks past Shuri, stands in front of Ekress, then bowed.
This is a surprise. The fact that one of the current leaders of Sounity would lower their head to the concubine of the previous Lord…
"Greetings m'am, my name is Cougar. I am one of the leaders running Sounity."
"That dialect… the accent of your name… the east?"
"Indeed. I have little memory of it however. Now, I just like speaking this way for some reason."
Cougar raises his head and said
"I must sincerely apologise to M'am Concubine on this occasion."
"What could this be in reference to?"
"Originally, the plan was to welcome your great self back and elevate you to a position of power. Please forgive us for being unable to accomplish that."
"Could I ask if those are the words of the person named Ganglabe?"
"It is the consensus that Ganglabe and our commanders arrived at. In other words, you can treat the words that I had just said as Ganglabe's."
Crackle. Crackle. It was as if there were fireworks going off between the two.
Depending on the steps, keeping someone in captivity can be extremely rude.
However Envy smiles bitterly and said.
"Is that so? Then I guess I'll just have to accept it."
"I am very thankful."
"Even if I was to resist, it's not like I'll be able to become a person of authority.
"That is indeed correct."
"Rather than that, it would probably be more useful for me to remain protected within this forest."
"Have you figured it out?"
"No matter how long a time has passed, my head still functions, you see?"
After a simple exchange, Cougar went to meet up with Shuri.
"Come on, let's go Shuri."
"Eh? Right now?"
"Yes, right now. If Ekress is done then she can come with us too."
"Um, I…"
"Ekress will stay."
Envy said.
"I want the two of us to speak, just mother and daughter, for just a bit longer. Can't I?"
Hearing that, Cougar thought for a little bit.
"…Alright. If that's the case, then what should we do?"
"In the first place, isn't it fine if I just don't go back?"
"Without you 'round, our food ain't tasting great."
"Aren't Gann-san and the others around?"
"Ahh, well…. It wasn't bad. Not bad at all. Much better than what we used to have. But, I mean, it just can't compare to what you make Shuri."
"Is that right… then, I guess I'll leave the rest to Wutin-san and return first."
I couldn't just keep standing there, so I came out from the kitchen.
I have confidence that I can always remain calm no matter what happens.
However, that's just how strong an attack Shuri's words were.
"No. I am, Shuri's, guard."
"Isn't there a person more important to protect than me. I have to go back now, so I'm leaving this place to you."
In the end, Shuri left me to protect Ekress and went back.…
I'm really gonna get it from the Princess when I get back…
Fried Rice recipe. I mean. same as last time. picture is 7-11 japan fried rice though lol.
Sorry for late post. I'm in Japan atm. Taking a rest day and then going to dinner with a friend tonight. Any recommendations for Tokyo? I'm staying around Akiba 😛 (ofc i am)


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tackling life with a spatula in one hand and a sewing needle in the other, while (hopefully) dressed to kill.
Friday, May 03, 2013
terror of the cats
Plus, they've started genuinely playing and it's adorable and I'm a sucker for cat entertainment.
Bunny, though? Well the cats have been pissing Bunny off. Quite literally pissing him off. One of them keeps peeing on his clothes. He's had about as much as he can take of that and if he catches one in the act I'm pretty sure it won't be a pretty scene. I've increased the frequency of litter scooping to try and curtail the behaviour, but to no avail.
Any advice? How do I get the cat to stop doing this.
6 comments:
Hi Sheryl, I am a new reader (found you at Amanda's Poppies and Ice Cream reading list). Cat's play time sounds adorable. I do not know of a solution for cats, how old are they? Cause when our dog stopped being a puppy, he started peeing on my stuff too and after we got him spayed (because we did not want him getting in trouble with ladies), he stopped peeing on everything.ReplyDelete
- Anonymous4 May 2013 at 07:05
Oh dear, cats peeing can be a very exasperating issue.ReplyDelete
Now I'm not a cat specialist, but I had a few ideas:
- do you know which cat it is? Or do they both do it?
- do one or both cats have bladder or kidney issues?
- has this cat /have these cats have peeing /marking problems before?
- how many litter boxes are there between the kitties? Could it be that kitty pees outside of the box because of a territory issue (not feeling safe in the box, feeling the need to 'mark' so as to claim Bunny)? Would it help to place another litter bos somewhere, remove the top of the box and / or use different litter?
- has there been a change in litter / box type?
- are both kitties neutered?
- has something changed about Bunny's clothes so that they smell of 'competition'? Does a kitty pee on a sweater if he cuddled the other kitty with said sweeter on, for instance?
- Could there be older markings from one or both kitties in the place where his clothes are that tempt them to pee there again and again?
As for practical solutions: I only know work-arounds, such as leaving the clothes in a place the cats can't go, covering the clothes with tinfoil (apparently cats won't walk on tinfoil). A real solution depends in figuring out precisely why the cat does this, I think.
Removing all traces of cat pee smell seems to be important to prevent them from peeing in places again, so if you don't yet use an enzymatic cleaner, this may be useful.
I hope you get this sorted, because having cats pee on your clothes is miserable.Replies
We're definitely going to have to get some special detergent for the cat pee smell. We're pretty sure it's my mom's cat but haven't caught either in the act yet so it's hard to say for sure. It's also the first time either of them has pulled this ... our thought is that perhaps my mom's cat blames Bunny for bringing our cat over. But that seems like a whole lot of anthropomorphizing.Delete
Smitten Immigrant says she's no expert, but all of her questions are exactly what a vet would have asked.Delete
If the cat has not been spayed, that's where I would start (considering that the litter box is changed frequently / assuming it does not smell ). Or maybe you could have more than 1 litter box? At different places?
My guess, ruling out kidney failure (but particularly if it is an old cat, you might want to check that), is that it is a territorial thing, specially if the cat doing it is the one that was living at the house before.
You could also try pheromones, they sometimes work in cases like this (assuming it is stress / territorial). But since territorial behaviour is partly triggered by sexual hormones, if you have not spayed your cats, I would start there.
*Also the cat litter should not have any smell at all (eg. cats hate lavender, and if the litter smells like flowers they will find somewhere else to go).
They're both spayed, which makes figuring out the whole thing easier. I'm pretty sure it's a territory thing that my mom's cat is pulling. It makes life interesting, that's for sure.Delete

subset: commoncrawl


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Old track from dubstepper SKREAM, but its perfect for a saturday afternoon as beautiful as this one! And with the World Cup well underway, what better way to ring in this joyous world event then with some smooth reggae? (Right-click to download)
Back in March one of my Kenyan friends left this record in my car after a night out on the town. At first I thought it was an old rocksteady tune, but then I came to find out that it was recently released off of Courtney John's "Made in Jamiaca" album. I really liked the "old ska/rocksteady" sound and the production techniques used to capture it. All in all I think its a good track from Mr. John, anD I am looking forward to seeing what else he has for us in the future! Keep listening!Read more →
First and foremost, I would like to apologize for the long vacation I have taken away from the site, but I promise this months selections will be representative of all the travels I have been on. The journey between graduating Butler and moving back to Texas has been rough, but also very exciting. Since the last blog I have been to Jamaica (while the Christopher "Dudus" Coke incident was at peak violence), Miami, Lexington, Cincinnati, Louisville, Atlanta, Houston, Indianapolis, Houston again, and of course VEGAS! So long story short, I haven't had much time to blog! But now with the World Cup Craze and my schedule a little lighter, I can bring you Unconventional music again!
With all that said, lets get down to business. This track "Awake" by Freddie Joachim has been getting a lot of spins during my downtime on the road. It's such a smooth soulful groove that has helped to ease all my troubles and stresses of the day. This track helped remind me that even though you may go through hard times there is always hope once you are "Awake" to the endless possibilities available to change your situation. So, next time you are down about anything, remember that it is a blessing to be "Awake" and not sleeping forever… I hope that this track can serve the same purpose for you as well.. Furthermore, I came across the album GETAWAY several months ago when I was visiting my best friend at Xavier University in Cincinnati, Ohio and immediately fell in love with the 'smoothness'. It was the first time that I had ever heard anything from Freddie, but after doing some research on him, I found even more cool music from him. If you would like to catch up on GETAWAY and this Dj/Music Producer check out his Website Bless up!Read more →


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One official described Forward Operating Base Chapman, in Khost province near the Pakistan border, as a former military compound that was "not a regular base" any more. Another source said the base was used by "other agencies", suggesting that intelligence personnel were involved. Breaching a secure base that carries out potentially sensitive operations made it a particularly bold attack.
A spokesman for the Nato coalition force in Kabul said that no US or Nato troops had been killed in the explosion, which took place in the afternoon. The bomber was thought to have detonated the bomb in or near a gym.
It was one of the highest American civilian death tolls in a single incident during the Afghanistan and Iraq wars.
The last known CIA fatality in Afghanistan was Johnny "Mike" Spann, a paramilitary office killed during a jail riot at Qala-i-Jangi in 2001.
Khost, in eastern Afghanistan, is one of the centres of the Taliban insurgency. Most foreigners working there are soldiers or contractors working in reconstruction and intelligence operations. Afghan civilian casualties in the area have been increasing, raising tensions between the Afghan government and Western forces.
The attack on the Americans came as the international forces in Afghanistan - numbering 113,000 and set to grow to 150,000 next year - were embroiled in controversy over the deaths of Afghan civilians in an operation on Saturday.
President Hamid Karzai has accused international forces of shooting dead ten unarmed civilians, including eight teenagers. Nato's International Security Assistance Force has disputed the findings of an Afghan government investigation, saying the deaths occurred in a battle in which nine insurgents were killed.


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Jennifer Aniston
Drink lots of water- Ms. Aniston drinks 100 ounces of water a day.
Keep your skin routine simple and consistent - Jennifer says her routine is cleanse, tone, and moisturize. She exfoliates at the end of the day when she's had a face full of makeup on.
Expensive, high end brands are not always the answer. Jennifer believes some of these "miracle" products overcleanse and irritate skin. She suggests keeping your products simple, natural, and easy.
Stay Active - Jennifer fits in at least 20 minutes of cardio daily.
Smile - "A woman is most beautiful when she smiles" according to the new mommy.
Use skin moisturizer daily.
Sandra Bullock
Preparation H under eyes to reduce puffiness and tighten skin
Love your natural hair. Sandra often keeps her hair down and natural. She has learned how to work with her hair instead of against it.
Tyra Banks
Vaseline. Yes, you read that right. Tyra puts Vaseline under her eyes, on her laugh lines, lips and eyebrows nightly.
Defined, full eyebrows. Don't over tweeze!
Use white or beige eyeliner. This "awakens" the eye and will make you look well rested


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WESTON, Mass. – In a game featuring a lot of up-and-down action as well as seven ties and 13 lead changes, Regis College was unable to convert on its final possession, as Saint Joseph's College held on for an 88-87 victory Thursday evening in a Great Northeast Athletic Conference men's basketball game at Higgins Court.
Ademola Afonja (Staten Island, N.Y.) notched his 19th career double-double, including his third of the season, leading the Pride with 21 points and 10 rebounds, as he shot 10-of-14 from the field. Dimitri Rosa (Tiverton, R.I.) hit 5-of-6 shots from behind the three-point line to finish with 15 points along with five assists and four steals, Juvens Dalger (City of Sunrise, Fla.) collected 13 points, seven rebounds, three assists, and three steals, and Jordan Seldon (Dorchester, Mass.) added 12 points, four rebounds, and four assists.
Seldon scored the first four points in the opening minute of the game, but a three-pointer by Tatsuaki Sakai and a traditional three-point play by Jack Casale allowed the Monks to pull ahead, 8-7. After a layup by Darian Berry, Rosa hit a three-pointer and Marc Trinidad (Bronx, N.Y.) made a layup to give Regis an 18-15 advantage, but that was erased quickly by three-pointers from Ian Mileikis and Berry.
After a layup by Afonja, Saint Joseph's went on a 9-1 scoring run to pull ahead by nine midway through the first half. Down 39-31, Regis scored 13 unanswered points, led by two three-pointers from Rosa, to pull ahead, 44-39, with 5:26 remaining in the first half. After a layup by Mileikis closed the Monk deficit to one at 47-46, Devante Thompson (Fort Lauderdale, Fla.) hit a three-pointer and Dalger made consecutive layups to extend the Pride lead back to eight at 54-46.
Saint Joseph's (17-7, 7-4 GNAC) scored the final five points of the first half on a layup by Jack Hostetler and a Sakai three-pointer, and then Sakai hit another three-pointer early in the second half to tie the game at 54-54. A jumper by Shawn Wedderburn (Bronx, N.Y.) put the Pride on top, 61-60, but the Monks responded with seven straight points, capped by a layup from David Keohan to gain the lead, 68-62, with 11:22 remaining in regulation.
After a three-pointer by Casale put the Monks on top, 74-66, Regis scored the next six points, but Saint Joseph's was able to keep the lead thanks to baskets by Berry and Mileikis. Three-pointers from Casale and Hostetler as well as a layup by Berry helped extend the Monk advantage into double digits at 86-76 with 4:23 left in the second half.
The Pride rallied back, scoring nine unanswered points, bookended by jumpers from Josh Germain (Pembroke Pines, Fla.), who also led the team with nine assists. Casale made two free throws to give the Monks a three-point lead, but Afonja was able to convert a putback with 1:02 left in regulation to cut the Regis deficit back to one.
Saint Joseph's missed a shot on its next possession, but Regis could not take advantage as it committed a turnover. Casale was fouled, but missed the front end of a one-and-one, and Afonja grabbed the rebound. After calling timeout with 8.2 seconds showing on the clock, the Pride ran a play, but an offensive foul was called with 4.4 seconds left. The Monks were able to inbound the ball and pass it around, running out the rest of the time to clinch the victory.
Casale shot 11-of-15 from the field, including 4-of-6 from behind the three-point line, and 5-of-6 from the free throw line as he led the Monks with 31 points. Berry finished with 16 points, a team-high nine rebounds, three assists, and two steals, and Sakai added 15 points, four rebounds, nine assists, and two steals.
As a team, the Monks shot 49.3 percent (33-of-67) from the field, including 15-of-34 from behind the three-point line, and 77.8 percent (7-of-9) from the free throw line. Saint Joseph's scored 24 points off 21 Regis turnovers. The Monks conclude the regular season with a non-conference game at home against Colby-Sawyer Saturday, Feb. 16, at 3 p.m.
The Pride shot 55.2 percent (37-of-67) from the field, including a season-best 69.2 percent (9-of-13) from behind the three-point line. However, Regis let several free chances slip away, missing seven free throw attempts. The Pride won the rebounding battle, 39-29, scored 23 points off 17 Monk turnovers, and finished with 26 assists, as did the Monks.
Regis (9-15, 4-6 GNAC) travels to West Hartford, Conn., to face University of St. Joseph Saturday, Feb. 16, starting at 1 p.m. The winner will clinch a spot in next week's GNAC Tournament.


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Joliet Retirement Planning
Joliet retirement planning, while it will not near the fun factor of eventually residing in this bustling city, never needs to be viewed as drudgery. The main reason that future retirees tend to view planning for retirement, to Joliet or wherever their hearts desire, as a process to be either dreaded or put off until later is that options can at first appear confusing. It makes sense that many residents of Joliet, IL, along with citizens from places far away who wish to one day migrate to Joliet, would approach their planning with some trepidation. The landscape of retirement planning as a whole has altered significantly over the years, and it continues adapting to fresh technology today. The good news is that this means those who want to spend their golden years in Illinois are not subjected to a cookie-cutter plan.
A second positive aspect of the width and breadth of the current Illinois retirement scene is that you will have at your disposal a variety of accomplished Joliet, IL, financial advisers. These are the professionals who can help you reach your goal of living up your latter years in one of the fastest growing cities in not only Illinois, but in the country. At a quick, easy distance from Chicago, Joliet, IL, proffers much in terms of culture, entertainment venues, and second-to-none shopping and dining choices. You won't want to feel restricted in terms of the broad offerings of the city, and you certainly will not want to be bogged down with worries about money.
Pension Plans and Recovery
It was once the case that a pension plan was far more pervasive than it is today. More businesses offered these plans to their employees, and of those who did offer them, more continued them as an ongoing perk of working diligently for the company. As with many other aspects of Joliet retirement planning, pensions have changed considerably. This by no means stipulates that you should not take advantage if your employer extends such a resource to you, only that you will need to factor in options other than this one-time staple of Joliet retirement planning.
The problematic element of pensions today is not so much that the structure of the plan itself has altered, but that there is a trend among some employers of "freezing." What occurs in a freeze is that company stops the process of accumulating benefits in its tracks. This does not equate to a loss of previously gained capital; that, fortunately, is yours to keep. However, you will not receive any further benefits going forward. For younger people who have not gotten far into their Joliet retirement planning yet, a frozen pension is not nearly as detrimental as it is for those who, while still a number of years from their own retirement, are certainly not at the beginning of their careers.
For those who may have previously relied on this venue of Joliet retirement planning exclusively, other resources need to be secured as quickly as possible. This is one time when it is especially crucial to consult with a licensed Joliet planning specialist. These retirement planning experts can steer you toward investment opportunities that are most likely to result in impressive monetary gains over a short period of time. Even if you feel uncomfortable with most traditional investment avenues, a counselor can recommend the more basic savings options that accrue interest at the greatest rate. Heavy investments in a 401(k) are often advised in this scenario, but you should talk with a financial planning professional who can examine your entire situation and make a specialized proposal.
401(k), IRA, and More
A 401(k) account is far from a good option only for those who need to save quickly thanks to a pension freeze. The 401(k) is considered an excellent channel of Joliet retirement planning today as it has been in the past. One of the most substantial benefits of this type is that it is tax-deferred, meaning that you can contribute taxable dollars to the fund, allows your contributions to earn money for you while stored in the 401(k), and not pay taxes until such a time as you withdraw funds for use. While the IRA has similar benefits, the former type sometimes gains an edge in Joliet retirement planning because of employer matching.
If your employer agrees to match the contributions you make to your 401(k), you have one of the most powerful resources available in Joliet retirement planning at your fingertips. Rarely in this process will you come across what equates to free money stuffed into your pocket, but you have this when your company matches input funds. Discuss these account types, options such as a 403(b) for nonprofits, and more with a retirement specialist to make your Joliet retirement planning go as smoothly as possible.
Retirement Planners In Joliet
Kyle Nolan
Edelman Financial Engines, LLC1515 W. 22nd Street
Suite 850W
Oak Brook, IL 60523
Michael Cirelli
SAI Financial Services27575 Ferry Road
Suite 100
Warrenville, IL 60555
Paul Garrett
Garrett Consulting Corporation101 W. 22nd Street
Suite 200
Lombard, IL 60148
Timothy Creath, CLU, ChFC
Creath Financial Services903 Sienna Drive
Schaumburg, IL 60193
Sam McElroy
@financial Investments1901 N. Clybourn Ave
Suite 302
Chicago, IL 60614


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Game Cloth was created in 2015 during AIR6 at the Textile Arts Center
Game Cloth: Interactive clothing you can play in and on!
Growing up for me has been about maintaining the childlike desire to have fun, get weird, and get physical. Whether throwing my body into that spontaneous cartwheel or giggling until my eyes tear up, I wanted the pieces in Game Cloth to convey the impulsive joy that comes from playing and interacting naturally with the people and environment around you.
Game Cloth combines my current work with geometric shapes in printed textiles and my longstanding interest in old school paper and pencil games such as pencil wars, dots & squares, and origami football – games that require little beyond the imagination and creativity of its players. This debut collection, entitled "Dots & Squares," is an interchangeable wardrobe of easy and utilitarian garments that each function as wearable game boards and canvases. Whether you are the wearer, a bystander, or even a passing stranger, these clothes aim to inspire that giddy sense of playtime all the time!


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Israel ready for 'any possible scenario'
JERUSALEM (AP) — Israel's prime minister on Sunday tried to soothe a jittery nation unnerved by the standoff between the U.S. and Syria, saying that Israel is "calm and self-assured" and ready for "any possible scenario."
Benjamin Netanyahu did not directly address President Barack Obama's decision to put on hold potential military action in Syria. But media commentators on Sunday criticized Obama for appearing indecisive, after signaling last week that a U.S. military strike was imminent.
While the government has urged Israelis to stick to their routines, the threat of hostilities in the region has caused widespread jitters. With the U.S. threatening to strike Syria in response to alleged chemical weapons use, many Israelis fear that Syria might retaliate by attacking across the border at Israel.
Crowds of Israelis have been lining up at special gas-mask distribution centers in recent days, and the military has deployed a series of missile-defense systems near the Syrian border and in the heavily populated Tel Aviv area.
"Israel is calm and self-assured. Israeli citizens know very well that we are prepared for any possible scenario," Netanyahu told his Cabinet. "Israeli citizens must also know that our enemies have very good reasons not to test our strength. They know why."
Obama has condemned Syria's alleged use of chemical weapons against civilians, saying it crossed an American "red line" and signaling that the U.S. will be compelled to attack in response. But over the weekend, Obama said he would first seek congressional approval before taking any military action. The decision came after Britain, a key American ally, said it would not participate in an attack on Syria.
There were voices of criticism in Israel about the hold on a possible military strike.
Cabinet Minister Naftali Bennett posted on his Facebook account Saturday evening that "the international stammering and hesitation about Syria prove once again — Israel cannot depend on anyone except for itself."
Israeli media portrayed Obama's handling of the crisis in a critical light. Channel 10 TV headlined their coverage "Obama's zigzag," while the Yediot Ahronot daily featured headlines like "America's problem," A step back," and "Assad is celebrating."
"Yes he can. But it's not certain anymore that he wants to," wrote commentator Yoaz Hendel, a former adviser to Netanyahu, in Israeli daily Yediot Ahronot, about Obama's desire to attack Syria. "Until the American Congress approves the attack (if it approves it), the chemical weapons stockpiles will be moved elsewhere. The headquarters will be replaced. The chosen targets will become empty buildings. The accomplishments of a possible attack will be reduced, the bloodbath will remain."
Avraham Yarm, a resident of northern Israel, said Obama's decision to delay a potential attack was disappointing.
"I think he's lost initiative and he's lost the element of surprise, and he's losing, every day, credibility in the world," Yarm said.
Copyright 2013 Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.


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|Oral W. Smith, Abstracter
|Agent for
Westcor Land Title
Insurance Company
|Oral W. Smith is a lifelong Orange County resident and has been in the
title business since he was in high school. After graduation, he
continued on to get his B.P.S. from Pace University while continuing to
work in the title insurance business.
In 1981, Oral W. Smith finished his degree and started his own agency,
which has been in existence ever since. Over the past 30 years, he has
achieved an unparalleled level of expertise in Title Insurance business
practices and is very knowledgeable of New York State Real Estate
Law. Other local title insurance agencies have come and gone, but
Oral W. Smith Agency, Inc. continues to provide high quality searches
and customer service at reasonable rates.


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Assistant Professor, Department of Medicine (Hepatology)
We are interested in understanding the connection between aging and the malfunctioning of a cellular process involved in cellular quality control known as autophagy. All the cells in the human body have surveillance systems that detect and eliminate damaged structures and toxic products. Our working hypothesis is that these surveillance mechanisms, including autophagy, become defective as organisms age and this results in accumulation of damage inside cells, which often leads to their functional failure and death. The ultimate goal of our studies is to devise interventions to repair or restore normal autophagic activity in old organism to increase the healthy years of life and, potentially, longevity.
Autophagy, or the degradation of intracellular components in lysosomes, is tightly connected with food intake and the overall nutritional status. In fact, fasting is associated with activation of cellular cleaning through lysosomes. In contrast with the exhaustive molecular characterization that have been made through the years of the signaling mechanism that participate in nutrient sensing, we have limited insights on how these signals are integrated at the lysosomal compartment.
We are currently focusing in gaining insights on the connection between one of the important food sensors in the cell (mTOR) and lysosomes. Understanding the molecular players that participate in this process should help future efforts to design drugs to enhance cellular homeostasis and consequently improve organ function in the elderly, as well as delay onset of age-related diseases such as neurodegenerative and metabolic disorders.
Material in this section is provided by individual faculty members who are solely responsible for its accuracy and content.


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Multi Sports is a fun day for children aged 7-12 years of age to try and play as many sports as we can fit in to the day. Typical sports will incude Dodgeball, Benchball, Basketball and Football. Children will also have a choice of sports on the day.
If you would also like to book into our Early Drop Off and Late Pick Up sessions then please book these directly with the sports centre.


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Informatica Training is one of the ETL tools for business development,which provides a data warehouse solution to more than 80% of data warehouse projects today. informatica is one of the most important technology which is fastest growing ETL tools and provides mapping development guidelines.
Features of informatica powercenter
- Informatica has an Configuration Managements
- Error Handling
- Maintenance
- Adapting to their Changes
How will achieve this vision ? It have some guidelines which focus on data that becomes a trusted advisor to business and IT executives that includes their pillars.
In Different Six Categories should be an number one player
In cloud management informatica delivers the best-of-breed products, MDM data quality , data integration and data securities with their big data managements.
Integration of data platforms to be Delivered
Informatica supports the several business with an platforms of data integrations that believes their bets positions that helps to the customers in data 3.0 for the best positions through intelligent data platforms(IDP).
Data solutions
It providing solutions from integrated systems which can fit to our customer requirements.We works closely with collection of the recent information with our business partners that includes the cloud technologies.
Enterprising their Data competency Models – Best Informatica Training in Chennai
To creating excellent centers around an data managements which can empowered by an analytics of self services for its works that can continue to work with their potential customers.Combination of innovation with scales which have the team of employees to be motivated and leaders to enables more than 1000 customers that can equipped to power of data 3.0.
Informatica power center is created by an three different parts such as server, repository and client. Informatica is one of the powerful tool which is simple and easy to work . It supports steps for transformation and extraction that designs a process of data for data extractions.Implementation of informatica power exchanges with their tools such as
- PowerExchange Listener
- PowerExchange Logger
- Power Exchange Condenser
- PowerExchange Navigator


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I swear I lived…
I'm about to end a week that was at least very interesting.
What I want to share with you in this post, is my strong, unshakable belief that whatever we have inside of us, in our minds and our spirits will one day reflect in the real world.
And even if you've done all the inside work to achieve whatever you might want to achieve, it will still take time until it will reflect into your other world.
That's why you need at lot of patience. Just like a Zen master, like a monk living up in the mountains.
But I'm telling you, do the inside work, keep at it and your desires will sooner, rather than later be in front of you to see.
Even though the rest of the people around you can't see it now.
This week one of this events happened to me. And even now the world can't see it, because it's not displayed on a big billboard. But I know it, and it's a confirmation to me that I'm progressing.
Like I was saying, this week was very intense. I worked my ass of – both at work and when I got home. And I've been exercising and going to my regular activities (crossfit, latino dances). And I've been to a great event on Friday night, at a restaurant and then to some clubs in Aarhus.
But I've set myself one clear goal this week, above all others: to help someone else achieve their dream, as a sign of gratitude for choosing me and for helping me.
And so I've done.
I set my goals aside and dedicated large amounts of time to help that person achieve this short-dedline dream. Whenever I had 10 minutes of break in my day, I was helping that person take the dream one step closer to achievement.
And man did I get a lot of satisfaction out of this. And man did I feel like progressing and developing myself even more. And man was it an honor for me to do so, to know that I can be of such value to someone!
Just wanted to share this with you and remind you that whenever you do the inner work, the outer world will eventually follow.
You just need the patience.
I leave you with this song, that inspired me the entire week. And I hope that you live life in such a way that you can always say: "I swear I lived…"
Leo Burca


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By taking a Turkey private tour in with us, you are no longer a tourist and you're becoming family! With us it's like having a family in Turkey to take you and show you what Turkish hospitality is all about. You will be a local exploring with locals.
TransBalkan Tours has been offering personalized in Private tours of Turkey; Kusadasi (Ephesus), Izmir, Istanbul and Cappadocia.
We make your private tour in Turkey enjoyable and understandable in every spot we visit. We have English, Hispanic, Russian, Portuguese and German Licensed tour guides that they will talk with you and give you the happy Turkish smile that you were waiting for. We use brand new Mercedes Vans, Mini Buses, and regular 46 seater bus or optional VIP luxury vehicles. You tell us what your interests are and we will tailor a private tour for you or for your clients.
We will pick you up and drop you off at your hotel or at the Cruise-ship Port or Airport.
TransBalkan Tours with friendly and experienced tour guides, organizes private tours in the most beautiful destinations of Turkey: Kusadasi (Ephesus), Izmir, Istanbul and Cappadocia. All our vehicles are with complete climate control and superbly comfortable seating.
We offer special rates for private tours on early bookings. Please contact us for more information.


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For partners that build or integrate commercially available applications and service solutions with the Oracle Cloud Platform
For partners that provide implementation or managed services around Oracle Cloud Applications
Hello everyone,
Can anyone guide how to add a static text in an FYI email received by a requester when their requested supplier gets finally approved. Attached is the current email formate.
Hi Niamath,
Thanks for the reply.
We did check this at first place but not sure if this is the report we are looking for! This FYI email report is sent to the supplier, we need to modify the one which is sent to the requester of the requisition.
Thanks Niamath for your prompt reply.
Hi Rushi,
You are right, the details shared earlier are applicable for FYI notifications sent to supplier users when an external registration request is dispositioned. For your requirement, you need to follow these steps to customize the notification:
1. Enter in a sandbox,
2. Access the BPM notification for registration request approved/rejected notification from worklist (email notification will not allow customization),
3. On the notification you will see Edit option (refer to the screen shot) that you need to click to customize the page,
4. Click on Add Content button (refer to the screen shot) and from a list of options that shows up, select Add Text to add a static text on the page.
5. You may find the new region on top of the notification, you can drag it to show after Action Details region.
6. Publish the sandbox after making the changes.
Hope this helps.
Hello Piyush,
Thanks for your reply.
This was certainly helpful but, I am looking for something else. The steps mentioned above will add a static text for the Approver of the request who can be a different person than the one who has requested the new supplier while raising the requisition at first place.
If you can please refer the first image in my post, it is an email page (body) received by the person who had requested the new supplier originally from requisition dashboard. We are in need to add a static text in that email body.
Hi Rushi,
If you are customizing the notification sent to requester, then the customization will only reflect for that user. In your use case, the email notification that you are referring to also has a BPM notification that the user can access from the BPM worklist. As Procurement Application Admin, you need to access that notification and make the changes as suggested. The changes done to BPM notification should reflect in the email too.
The notification I customized is the registration request approved FYI notification and is sent to requester of the registration request. So the change will not be for the approvers as they are not the recipient of this notification.
Hope this clarifies.
Hi Piyush,
Let me try testing like you highlighted that the changes that are done to BMP notification should reflect in the email too, but again that will be limited to one specific user!
In the one customized by you, did you just changed the BPM notification? and did that also reflected in the Approved FYI email notification?
Many Thanks,
Hi Piyush,
Please find the attached, we tried customizing the BMP notification and it was expected to be reflected on email as well for the requester, but that didn't work!
Hi Rushi,
Thanks for testing and sharing your findings. Can you also confirm if you have published the sandbox?
Hi Piyush,
Yes, the sandbox was published before approving. Had one more small observation that the email notification received after publishing the sandbox didn't show any information, please see the attachment.
So, do we have any other way to modify this?
Hi Rushi,
Can you raise a service request for us to review and provide you more information regarding this issue?
Sure Piyush! Thanks
Hi Piyush,
Please note below SR has been raised in case you need to have a look at the development.
SR 3-21029051561 : Add static text in FYI: Approved Supplier Registration Request email
Thanks a lot for sharing the SR details, it helps.
another snap.
Moved from Purchasing.


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10 Lovely Ponytail Hair Ideas for Long Hair, Easy Doing Within 5 Minute
Ponytail must be one of the most classic hairstyles. Its simple pretty looks captured many girls' hearts and made it always stay in trend. Girls loving ponytail hairstyle is not only because it is easy and young-looking. It is also because this effective hairstyle can keep our long hair controlled when we work and help us feel cool in summer. Fashion hair designers also love ponytail. With some creative ideas, ponytail hairstyles could become totally different and eye-catching. That is why we often see it on many fashion shows, celebrations and street snaps. Following, I will introduce 10 fabulous hot ponytail ideas for long hair girls, which may make you the focus of street. More importantly, they can be easily handled within 5 minute. Let's say goodbye to the busy morning~
Twisted Hair with Ponytail (photos from Pinterest)
Top Ponytail
photo from Pinterest
photo from Pinterest
20 inches wavy two tone ombre human hair extensions$109
20 inches wavy two tone ombre indian remy clip in hair extension$109
solid silver indian remy clip hair extensions$111
High Ponytail ((photos from Pinterest))
High Ponytail with Bright Hair Color
photo from Pinterest
colorful clip color customized human hair extensions$111
black blue dip dye human hair extensions$121
black purple mermaid colorful ombre indian remy clip hair extensions$111
Messy Ponytail with Bump (photos from Pinterest)
Ponytail with Cute Side Braids (photos from Pinterest)
18 inches straight two tone ombre indian remy clip in hair extension$109
ombre solution with highlights indian remy clip in hair extensions$109
diy dye hair white blonde indian remy clip hair extensions$89
Easy Classic Ponytail (photos from Pinterest)
Low Ponytail (photos from Pinterest)
custom color indian remy clip in hair extensions$119
black granny silver two color ombre clip hair extensions$111
balayage hairstyles use indian remy clip in hair extensions$109


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From a simple day trip to an extended tour, Skinners' vast experience of arranging group travel means that we are able to offer you, the Group Organiser, a complete service: from travel advice, help planning your itinerary, choice of hotel, and suggestions for excursions. Whether you have a destination in mind, or are looking for ideas, the Skinners team is there to make your job easier. Let us know where you wish to go, and let us take care of all the travel and accommodation arrangements, leaving you free to do your job. Please contact us for further details.
Let us offer peace of mind with regard to complying with the Package Travel Regulations 1982.
The Regulations, an EU initiative, were set out to protect consumers if a travel firm went bust, but effectively impose obligations on group travel organisers arranging trips involving travel, accommodation and other activities. Therefore, if you are considering organising a holiday in the UK or abroad involving overnight stays, you should make sure you understand these regulations fully before undertaking this task yourself – or let us as a Bonded Coach Holidays member, take that obligation away from you. Please contact us for further details.
Please feel free to come and see us to discuss your requirements – or we can come and see you.


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This is a view from the central fountain park of Park La Brea, (La Brea meaning the tar, after the nearby La Brea Tar Pits), of one of the Landmark Towers. PLB is a sprawling apartment complex in the Miracle Mile District of LA- in fact, its the largest housing development west of the Mississippi. However, what makes the views of Park La Brea so iconic is the Landmark Towers "X" design, which gives each apartment a great view outwards. Add to that the geometry of the layout and you have a landmark worthy of the City of Angels
September 2d, 2013 – Park La Brea, Central Tower
September 2, 2013
Hollywood, Los Angeles, Photojournalism
Tagged with:


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Constitutionally Speaking publishes a periodic e-newsletter that is full of helpful information and resources about promoting civic education in New Hampshire. Each issue contains information about upcoming events presented by Constitutionally Speaking, our partners, and others that focus on information of use to civics educators.
Issues also contain links to resources for elementary, middle and high school educators for use in their classrooms. The newsletter is written by Martha Madsen, and produced by Dan Kittay.
To subscribe to this free newsletter, fill in the form below
Below is an archive of our past newsletters. Each is a pdf that you can download by clicking on its title.
Constitutionally Speaking
11 South Main Street, Suite 500
Concord, NH 03301


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October 26 2009, Moscow – Aeroflot Russian Airlines JSC expands geography for passenger check-in for its own flights over the Internet. Passengers can now check in for all Aeroflot flights from Anapa, Samara, Mineralniye Vody, Omsk, and Nizhnevartovsk not only at the airport but also at home or office – using the Internet. Additionally, beginning today, the company introduces two new check-in languages – German and French, for the convenience of foreign passengers. Now, the Internet check-in is available for Aeroflot passengers from 12 locations both in Russian and abroad.
Since October 02 2009, Internet check-in has become available to Aeroflot passengers flying from Yerevan, Beijing, Shanghai, Tokyo and Dubai. Earlier, this service had been offered to Aeroflot passengers departing from Sheremetyevo. As of October 20, over 26,000 passengers have used this service. Currently, the company plans implementation of its own check-in system at its flight destination airports. The online check-in system implementation at an airport is possible provided the facility has Sabre ACSI check-in system, and a well-developed infrastructure.
Online check-in begins 24 hrs and ends 1 hrs 30 min before departure. This is especially convenient for those who travel with carry-on baggage only, as it allows them to skip the physical check-in procedure and go directly to the boarding gate. Passengers travelling with baggage have to check it in as usual.
To be able to use the online check-in service, passengers with tickets should open section Online Check-in at Aeroflot's home page - www.aeroflot.ru. After submitting their personal data (full name, departure point, flight number, Aeroflot Bonus Card number, passport data), passengers can choose a seat to suit their needs, and then print out a boarding pass. At the airport, passengers with such a printout can go straight to their boarding gate.
The Internet check-in introduction by Aeroflot, marks the company's next step to further improvement of its product through cutting–edge technology.
As was announced earlier, since October 20 Aeroflot passengers buying air tickets have been able to obtain railway tickets on high-speed Aeroexpress trains going from Belorussky Railway Station to Sheremtyevo International Terminal. The new service means that one can book and pay for Aeroexpress tickets together with air tickets at Aeroflot sales offices at a special price.


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Apply to be accepted for an event or a scholarship using the register button on the lower left of this page.
ALL events have scholarships available; reducing tuition to as low as $160 for the entire weekend. Please apply for a scholarship before registering if you feel that the tuition price is a barrier to attending.


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We had a reader send in the following questions:
"We have an accrual basis farm partnership, for income statement purposes we have used the mark to market approach to the value of the hedge which was at a gain. For income tax purposes can we report the gain or loss when the hedge is closed?"
Many farmers hedge their crops by using futures or futures options contracts. For financial reporting purposes, these gains or losses are marked to market as of the balance sheet statement date. The farmer would record a gain or loss based on the closing prices as of that date.
For income tax purposes, hedges are normally not reported until the hedge is closed. In some cases, a farmer can make an election to mark-to-market their hedges, but normally, the farmer will elect to use the regular method since that allows them to report the gain or loss when the crop is sold (or feed purchased).
The Farm Financial Standards Council has issued new guidelines including a new hedging gain or loss reporting appendix. If you are interested in getting the guidelines, you can access them at the website and I would highly recommend downloading them. The cost is fairly minimal and you will get your value out of them very quickly.


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It's a well-known adage, "An Apple a Day Keeps the Doctor Away". This falls truly fit both in context of the innumerable health benefit that its consumption offers on our health. Alongside, you may be amazed how beneficially this naturally available ingredient can be used in preparing numerous homemade face masks along with the combination of various other active ingredients. Application of Apple based face masks tends to offer you with a flawless complexion along with making your facial skin aptly id of all the scars, blemishes, acne and pigmentation issues in a commendable manner.
Apple is purely enriched with a lot of traces of Vitamin C along with about eighty percent water content that can be commendably used for getting rid of enormous skin impairment issues. If you sincerely used all the below-listed face masks in a routine manner, then you are highly liable to attain a glowing and flawless skin.
Emphasized below are the 5 incredible apple and honey based face masks for a flawless and glorious skin. All these face masks are chemical free and can offer innumerable potent benefits to your facial skin. Let's discuss them in detail, one-by-one:
This is all about the 5 incredible apple and honey enriched face mask for having a flawless and blooming skin at large.
1. Apple And Aloe-Vera Face Mask:
This incredible face mask is enriched with Vitamin C that is contained in Apples and tends to work as a natural astringent that goes a long way in offering a sound cleansing effect to your skin besides working as an anti-inflammatory component that commendably reduces or shrinks off the enlarged pore on your face. Alongside, it contains Aloe-Vera Gel that is also enriched with anti-inflammatory and anti –inflammatory properties that tends to keep your facial skin quite hydrated.
Ingredients And Method Of Preparation:
Apple:1/2 cup, washes, peeled and cut into cubes
Aloe-Vera Gel: 2 tablespoons
Honey:1/2 teaspoon
First of all, crush the apple cubes into a thick paste in a blender and then combine it with the required ratio of Aloe-Vera Gel and honey as mentioned above. Then, apply this incredible face mask on your clear face and neck and let it be on for about 10-15 minutes. After the stipulated time frame, wash your face with cold water. For optimum results try to use this face mask at least twice a week.
2. Apple And Raw-Milk Cream Based Face Mask:
This is an amazing face mask and is aptly considered as an anti-allegiant that tends to keep the peeling and dry skin at bay. Alongside, it maintains the pH balance of your skin and generously removes all he accumulated dead skin cells from your face. Besides this, the raw-milk cream enriched face mask tends to keep your skin quite moisturized and lustrous at large.
Ingredients And Method Of Preparation:
Apple:1/2 cup, washes, peeled and cut into cubes
Honey: 1 teaspoon
Raw-Milk Cream: 2 tablespoons
To prepare this face mask just coarsely grind the apple cubes in the grinder and mix it with honey and Raw-Milk Cream. Then cleanse your face with rose water and afterwards apply this face mask. Leave it for 15-20 minutes and then wash it off with mild warm water. For optimum results try to use this face mask optimally for about a week and that too before going to bed.
3. Apple And Sandalwood Face Mask:
This face mask is commendably used more as a cleansing agent whose application in routine manner makes your skin blemish and acne free and alongside it is quite suitable to be used for all the varying textures of skin. Addition of honey in this pack aids in killing bacteria's along with sandalwood powder that makes your kin fairer and absorbs the extra secreted oil and the apple aids in exfoliating your skin.
Ingredients And Method Of Preparation:
Apple:1/2 cup, washes, peeled and cut into cubes
Sandalwood Powder: 2 tablespoons
Honey: 1 teaspoon
Initially grind the apple cubes in a grinder and then refrigerate it for half an hour. In the meantime, combine the sandalwood powder and honey as, mentioned in the required ratio and top up with about 2-3 tablespoons of refrigerated apple paste. Mix well and apply it well on your face and neck. Leave it for 10 minutes and then wash it off with normal water.
4. Apple And Oatmeal Based Mask:
This is more of an exfoliator based face mask that is appropriately beneficial for all skin types along with the addition of apple that tends to shun away any blemish or scar marks on your skin. Besides this, oatmeal used in this face mask tends to exfoliate your skin and make it free from dead skin cells and accumulated dirt and dust particles present on your skin.
Ingredients And Method Of Preparation:
Apple:1/2 cup, washes, peeled and cut into cubes
Oatmeal: 2 tablespoons
Lemon Juice: ½ teaspoon
Honey: 1 teaspoon
Blend together the apple cubs and oatmeal as mentioned in the required ratio in a blender and then refrigerate it for about half an hour before applying it on your skin. Then, put few drops of lemon juice and honey into it and after a while apply this amazing face mask on your clean skin and let it be on until it gets dried off. After a while massage your face generously with wet fingers and then wash it off with fresh water.
5. Apple And Egg-White Based Face Mask:
This face mask can also works as a peel –off face mask effectively used as an anti-aging pack and is enriched with egg-white that improves the collagen content of your skin and aids in making your skin quite glamorous as well as elastic at large. used as a peel-off mask , aids in extracting all the accumulated dirt and dead skin cells alongside making your skin wrinkle-free and commendably enriching it with tightening and brightening effect at large.
Ingredients And Method Of Preparation:
Apple:1/2 cup, washes, peeled and cut into cubes
Egg-white: 2 tablespoons
honey: 1/2 teaspoon
Crush the apple cubes well in a crusher and then strain its extract with the help of the strainer. Now, mix the required ratio of honey and egg-white in this extract and combine it well with a spatula. Now, store it in the refrigerator for about 10 minutes and then apply this peeling mask on your face. Once it gets dried off, peel it off and wash it off with fresh water.


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- This week is the Aussie Backyard Bird Count ran by Birdlife Australia. So grab your bird book, download the app, whatever is your thing, and get out there and get counting. Birds are a critical part of our biodiversity if we don't know what is out there how can we know what to look after? #twitcher #aussiebirdcount #birdlife #bird #biodiversity #landcare #paddocktoplateAhh the colours and patterns of silage season. One cut down, 🤞plenty more to come. Silage is #fermented pasture. We mow and collect the lush spring pasture, pack it tightly into a pit to remove as much of the oxygen as possible and let it ferment in its own juices. Once preserved like this it can last for years. It's like kimchi for cows! #pasture #fermentedfoods #fermentation #silageseason #silage
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Tag Archives: kimchi
Kimchi for cows
Fermented foods seem to be all the rage at the moment. Our cows, like so many other cows around Australia, have been on the fermented food bandwagon for years. At this time of the year as our pasture dries off and … Continue reading
Posted in Agriculture, Cows, Dairy, Dairy Farming, Pasture Tagged fermented food, kimchi, kombucha Leave a comment