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Monday, December 31, 2012
Happy New Year!
I hope everyone had a great Christmas and wish you all the best for the new year. I'll be back after the celebrations.
Posted by GrammaG20 at 3:12 PM
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Sunday, December 23, 2012
Day Twelve of the 12 Days of Christmas
Well, Christmas Eve is tomorrow! I can't wait! Of course, I still have gifts I am trying to get finished. I do this every year! I say I'm going to start in January and do a certain number of gifts each month, and then I never seem to get around to it! But I tell you, this year I am. And I figure the best way to make sure I do is to document it on this blog! So keep me in line, OK? If I don't blog about at least two gifts every month, you leave me a comment reminding me to get busy! Now, for the last list of the year.
1. Save a length of your Christmas tree trunk to burn as a log next year. A slice of the trunk also makes a good ornament. Wood burn or use a marker to put the date and location, and each year add to the collection. This is especially great if you cut your own tree. We started this tradition last year, with our first cut-it-yourself tree!
2. After opening all the presents, give each family member a big hug and tell them they are the best Christmas gift of all.
3. Try to have all of your Christmas thank-you notes mailed (or emailed) by January 15th.
4. When sending thank-you notes, tuck in a photo of you enjoying the gift.
5. As you pack up the Christmas decorations, ask family members to write a prediction for the coming year. Put them in the ornament box and read them next year.
6. Acknowledge every gift you receive.
7. Take time to write the names and dates on the backs of your holiday photos.
8. If your child gets a new game for Christmas, play it with him and let him win.
9. Don't forget to set out the milk and cookies for Santa.
10. The last item on the lists for this year, and the very most important......Don't forget whose birthday we're celebrating!
I hope you have enjoyed these 12 Days of Christmas lists, and maybe have even done a few of the items. I wish for you all all the blessings you deserve now and in the coming year. May we keep the spirit of Christmas in our hearts and treat one another the same way we want to be treated all year long. A Merry Christmas to you and yours,
Sorry....the rest of the drums are on backorder.
Posted by GrammaG20 at 6:00 AM
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Saturday, December 22, 2012
Day Eleven of the 12 Days of Christmas
Two more days 'til Christmas Eve. Isn't it exciting! I'm hoping I can come up with twenty more things to put on the lists! Here goes.....
1. Take a family photo every year in the same spot. Put a tree in the background and you'll have a great record of the growth of the tree, as well as the growth of your family.
2. Have a welcoming committee for Santa! Take all the stuffed animals in the house and put them around the Christmas tree to welcome the big guy to your home.
3. Fill your house with holiday fragrance. Put some cloves, cinnamon sticks and orange peel in a pan of water and let it simmer on your stove top. Or better yet, make some wassail and have it simmering. That way, you'll have a nice warm drink anytime you want it. To make my favorite version of wassail, take 1 bottle of cranberry juice and 2 bottles of apple juice and pour them in a large stock pot. Add two oranges, sliced, 6 or 8 whole cloves and 10 cinnamon sticks. If you like, you can add some whole allspice, too. Let simmer for 15 or 20 minutes and enjoy!
4. Introduce your children to the wonders of snowflakes. Put a piece of black construction paper or card stock in the freezer for an hour, then take it out and catch some snowflakes. Examine them under a microscope.
5. Bake Christmas cookies as a family, with Christmas music playing in the background.
6. Take a basket of goodies to your local fire department and police station.
7. If your child gives you a handmade gift, convince them that it's your favorite gift of all. This was never hard for me, because those handmade gifts were always my favorites. Still are!
8. Tie a wreath with a big red bow to the grill of your car.
9. Do you get lots of cards every year? Do they come from all over? Have a special place to display the card that comes from the farthest distance away.
10. Don't forget your feathered friends during the holidays. Spread peanut butter on pine cones, roll them in birdseed and hand them in a tree near your kitchen window, so you can watch the birds feast on your gift to them.
All God's creature celebrate this fine season and we need to remember that even the smallest of creatures needs attention and love. Until tomorrow,
Uh oh! Better call those pipers back!
Posted by GrammaG20 at 6:00 AM
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Friday, December 21, 2012
Day Ten of the 12 Days of Christmas
Day ten means there's only three days left until Christmas Eve! One of my favorite nights of the whole year. I love to read a Christmas story to the family, and of course, the story of the birth of Christ from the 2nd chapter of Luke in the New Testament. That's after everyone has opened their Christmas Eve gift, which is, of course, pajamas! Here is the list for today, which has some ideas that you can do on Christmas Eve.
1. Have all the children dress up in robes and tie squares of fabric on their heads and let them act out the true Christmas story.
2. Have a little program, where the family sings carols and listens to stories about Christmases past.
3. Go caroling! My family always complains the whole time they're getting ready, but once we get going, they have loads of fun! And the people we carol to enjoy it as much as we do. Then we go have hot chocolate before going to bed to wait for you-know-who.
4. Have your big Christmas meal on Christmas Eve. That way, you don't have to spend your Christmas day in the kitchen, missing out on all the fun as family members play games or reminisce, or enjoy their new "toys". This made a big difference when I started doing this. Christmas always meant so much work for me that I was too tired to enjoy the day with family. Now, we pig out the night before, and just pick and munch on Christmas day. So much better!
5. Save a little of your Christmas money to take the family to a movie matinee Christmas afternoon. This was one of our family traditions for years when we all lived close, and we all looked forward to it each year, trying to decide which movie to go see.
6. Fill a basket with photos from Christmases past and set it somewhere where all the family will see it. This will fill hours with good memories and camaraderie.
7. Put on the music! Christmas music, that is. Fill your home with the strains of familiar carols, and new renditions as well. There are radio stations and TV stations that play all Christmas music from Thanksgiving Day until Christmas. Find one and enjoy!
8. Deliver plates of goodies to the neighbors. You can put them on the doorstep, ring the bell and run! It's so much fun, and your families will remember it for years to come.
9. Video tape your family as they talk about Christmases past. Then make copies for all of them to enjoy.
10. Begin a family Christmas journal. Write down events you attend, presents you received, memories you all shared. And don't forget to add the crises that always occur, too!
As we get closer to the day of the Savior's birth, remember, Christmas carols never sound better than when sung in church. Love to all,
They say you have to kiss a lot of toads to find a prince.
Posted by GrammaG20 at 6:00 AM
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Thursday, December 20, 2012
Day Nine of the 12 Days of Christmas
It's day nine already! Christmas is getting closer by the minute! So, without further ado, here is your list for today.
1. Instead of exchanging gifts with close friends, go to lunch. That way you get to catch up on all the goings-on and spend time with someone you really care about. Time spent together is better than a present any day.
2. Get a small photo album, or make one yourself, and use it to keep all your favorite holiday recipes in one place. Add new ones every year, and soon you will have a collection worthy of Martha Stewart!
3. Discover the quiet satisfaction of giving anonymously.
4. Have a special tablecloth or place mats that are used only on Christmas Day. I have a set of Christmas dishes for the day.
5. Get out some ol,d family-favorite games, such as Monopoly or Aggravation. Our family likes to play Clue. Have a family tournament during the month of December, or maybe just the two weeks that the kids are out of school. Make the time memorable by giving small prizes and keeping a photo record of the tournament winners to go in your family Christmas album.
6. Ask your children what they are giving this year, instead of what they are getting.
7. Make a special effort to call family members or friends who have lost someone they love in the last year. Let them know you are thinking of them and wish them peace.
8. Be sure to wave "Thank you" when someone lets you into the holiday traffic. I do this one all year long and you would be surprised how it affects people.
9. When you see a family or group taking pictures of one another, offer to take one of the whole group.
10. If you live in a college town, this is a good one for you. There are always students who can't afford to go home for the holidays. Call the dean and ask if there might be a couple of students who would like to share a holiday meal with your family.
I think the spirit of Christmas is a most wonderful thing! If we could practice the spirit of giving and love all year round, think what the world would be like! Like Tiny Tim would say, "God bless us, every one!"
And they all had fun at the lady bug picnic.
Posted by GrammaG20 at 6:00 AM
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Wednesday, December 19, 2012
Day Eight of the 12 Days of Christmas
Today's list is a last-minute tip list. Hope you find something that helps.
1. Don't forget the batteries!
2. Don't forget to hang the mistletoe. :0
3. If you are having a Christmas or New Year's party, turn down the thermostat before all the guests arrive. Crowded rooms heat up really fast!
4. Save all the information on toys, electronics, appliances, etc. Things like manufacturer's addresses, customer service information, and help line numbers. And don't forget to mail in warranty cards promptly.
5. Amid all the hustle and bustle and stress and strain, don't forget to be good to yourself. You are working overtime, remember?
6. Save your gift lists from year to year so you don't duplicate gifts. This is especially helpful if you are crafty and make your own gifts. It's really easy to forget what you made for whom.
7. Wrap up a few small gifts, such as nice picture frames or blank books (journals) to have on hand in case you forgot someone on your list. Put blank tags on them so all you have to do is add a name.
8. If you have young children, be sure you get on your sitter's calendar in advance, so you will be all set to go to those adult Christmas functions.
9. Save the boxes for your fragile decorations, so you can pack them away safely after the holiday season.
10. Make sure your car battery is in good condition, especially if you live in cold country. A dead battery in the mall parking lot is no fun !
I hope your holiday season is going well. No, better than well. I hope it's great! I love this time of the year! With it's cold days and colder nights, it gives us a reason to drink hot chocolate and wear scarves and hats and mittens. And big, warm coats! And we get to go sledding and build snowmen and just celebrate being together! So, make your day a little better by doing something for yourself and something for someone else. Until tomorrow,
The maids were frightened away by those leaping Lords!
Posted by GrammaG20 at 11:05 AM
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Tuesday, December 18, 2012
Day Seven of the 12 Days of Christmas
Day 7....How time does fly! I hope you are all taking the time to do something off these lists at least once or twice a week, if not every day. I think we can all make someone's Christmas just a little better by doing these things, even if that someone is us! Here is today's list.
1. Feed someone's parking meter.
2. Research your family history and serve a special holiday food or drink that your ancestors might have enjoyed.
3. If you are taking a car trip with children, take turns making up silly verses for the "12 Days of Christmas."
4. Make arrangements to donate leftover food from a holiday party to a homeless shelter.
5. Let younger create their own wrapping paper. Buy a roll of plain white or brown paper and let them draw or paint or use rubber stamps to decorate it. They will have a great time!
6. Print small pictures of family members to use instead of gift tags.
7. Take time to remember that the greatest gift is a home filled with the people you love.
8. Follow the Irish tradition of putting a bird's nest in your tree for luck in the new year.
9. Give your seat on the bus or subway to someone holding lots of packages.
10. Give a pint of blood. It's the gift of life!
Now, get busy and do something! Life is getting shorter by the day for all of us, so don't let it pass you by before you've done something fun! And remember,in the words of Hamilton Wright Malvie, "Blessed is the season that engages the whole world in a conspiracy of love." Until the morrow.....
The swans went south for the winter, but lift this (feather) for you.
Posted by GrammaG20 at 6:00 AM
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Monday, December 17, 2012
Day Six of the 12 Days of Christmas
This is day 6 and we're halfway to Christmas Eve! I said yesterday that this list was going to be all about service, so here it is:
1. Volunteer as a family to work in a soup kitchen or homeless shelter during the holidays.
2. Adopt a needy family for the holidays and let members of your family buy a present for the person closest to their own age.
3. Call a nursing home and get the names of 5 or 6 people who don't get much mail. Send each one a beautiful Christmas card and sign it from "Santa".
4. Give new friends or neighbors that have just moved to town a subscription to the local newspaper or the paper from their old hometown.
5. Offer to run errands for an elderly friend or relative.
6. Give someone with failing eyesight a large-print edition of a classic book.
7. Help an elderly neighbor decorate their home for the holidays.
8. Give your place at the check-out or gift-wrapping line to someone who looks as if they've had a hard day.
9. Offer to help a disabled person with his or her Christmas shopping.
10. Be others-centered instead of self-centered. A person wrapped up in themselves makes a very small package.
These are just small things that can be done to make someone else's season bright. They don't take a lot of time or money, and can make a real difference to the person receiving the service. Try some out this week and see how good it makes you feel. And give your family the chance to feel good, too! It will make your children better people to help others. See you tomorrow,
Six geese a-laying out on their vacation in the sun.
Posted by GrammaG20 at 6:00 AM
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Sunday, December 16, 2012
Day Five of the 12 Days of Christmas
For today, we have a list of all kinds of things. Just little tips to make the season brighter.
1. Be creative with your gift wrapping. Use newspapers, funny papers, maps, posters, the yellow pages, old book pages, etc. I'm sure you can come up with lots of ideas for other material to use.
2. Never miss a chance to shake hands with Santa Claus.
3. If your family doesn't have many Christmas traditions, let this be the year you create some!
4.Give at least one Teddy bear this year. Everyone loves a Teddy bear.
5. Offer to hide your neighbors gifts for their children so that little snoopers won't be able to find them.
6. Don't try to do everything yourself. Remember, even Santa has helpers.
7. If you hide gifts, make a list of what you have hidden where so that you will be able to find them all.
8.Take your camera to holiday parties with you, then send photos to the host or hostess with your thank you note.
9. Write Joy to the World with your finger on a frosty window pane.
10. When you hear "Rocking Around the Christmas Tree" grab the family member closest to you and swing them to the music!
Hope you enjoy some of the things on this list. It's a light and fun list. The next on will be all about service to others. And this year, give yourself the gift of peace with those things in your life that you know you cannot change. Until tomorrow,
Jingle bells ring, too!
Posted by GrammaG20 at 12:01 PM
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Saturday, December 15, 2012
Day Four of the 12 Days of Christmas
Today's list is very family oriented. Try to pick more than one of these to do.
1. Teach your kids look at the gift tag BEFORE they open the present, so they know who it came from. And Thank You notes are nice, too, even if they are a lost art.
2. Record your kids singing Christmas carols and send it to grandparents who live far away.
3. Wrap your child's bedroom door like a big present.
4. Throughout the holiday season, give your family the gift is a sweet disposition.
5. Relax with your family on Christmas afternoon by looking at photos of Christmases past.
6. Help you children bake cookies and bread to give to teachers, bus drivers and coaches.
7.When a family member looks stressed out, give them a big hug.
8. Take lots of photos! No matter how many you take, you'll always wish you had taken more.
9. Make your family feel just as important as holiday company.
10. Remember that the loving holiday spirit in your home depends more on the words you speak than on the gifts you give.
So that's today's list. The more you do these things, the better your family's memories will be. We all remember things differently, but if the whole family remembers this year as a great one, you've succeeded in drawing them closer. See you tomorrow,
Day 4 - It's really birds calling, but who's keeping track?
(You can't see it very well because of the glare, but
the birds are all on their phones!)
Posted by GrammaG20 at 6:00 AM
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Friday, December 14, 2012
Day Three of the 12 Days of Christmas
As I said yesterday, today's list is about common sense, something we sometimes forget at this time of the year.
1. Don't schedule yourself too tightly during the holidays. Before making a commitment, ask yourself if it can wait until after Christmas.
2. Be sure to check you camera batteries. Do they need to be replaced before the big morning? Also, be sure to buy more wrapping paper, scotch tape and tags than you think you will need. Better safe than sorry.
3. Don't give your spouse or significant other a bathroom scale for a Christmas gift!
4. Unplug the Christmas lights before leaving the house or going to bed.
5. Don't shop during peak hours. Avoid lunchtime and Saturdays. Early mornings and evenings are best.
6. Never set a candle on a counter underneath a cabinet or shelf. Heat rises, and this can create a fire hazard.
7. Don't burn wrapping paper in the fireplace. It's both a health hazard and a fire hazard.
8. Don't leave packages in plain sight when you park your car. Store them in the trunk.
9. Be sure to check the water level of your tree everyday. If it gets too dry, it becomes a fire hazard.
10. Keep a fire extinguisher in the kitchen and close to the tree.
All common sense ideas, but sometimes we just don't think. And remember, any fire chief in any city or town will tell you that this time of year is the biggest time for house fires. You don't want to be one of them, so take great care and you'll be taking great care of those you love. Until tomorrow,
Day 3 - Just waiting to serve you. Mais oui!
Posted by GrammaG20 at 6:00 AM
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Thursday, December 13, 2012
Day Two of the 12 Days of Christmas
Your list for today is a fun one. Read the whole list and I'm sure you will find something that will suit you.
1. Sprinkle red and green confetti in all your Christmas card envelopes so that it goes all over the place when the recipient pulls the card out of the envelope!
2. Wear a smile and a Santa hat when you walk through the mall.
3. Start working on a Christmas-themed jigsaw puzzle and try to have it completed by Christmas Eve.
4. Rent a Santa Claus suit. Slip it on during lunch hour and hand out candy canes to everyone in the office.
5. Tie jingle bells on your kids' shoelaces.
6. When you think you have enough lights on your tree or house, add two more!
7. Create a homemade sled from a large appliance box, then go find the biggest hill you can.
8. Help you child make red and green paper chains from construcion paper and hang them all over his or her room.
9. Be the first to lob a snowball and start a battle. If you live where there is no snow, make white yarn pom-poms and pretend they are snowballs.
10. Load the family in the car, slip in your favorite Christmas CD and drive through the neighborhood looking at the decorations. Roll down the windows and shout "Merry Christmas!" to everyone you see.
Now, there should be something here for everone. If not, then maybe your name should be Ebeneezer Scrouge! =) Tomorrow's list will be a little more conservative, with common sense ideas that you may not even think about. See you then, and remember, "love came down at Christmastime...", so spread a little of it around!
Day 2 - Two Dove turtles
Posted by GrammaG20 at 9:37 PM
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Day One of the 12 Days of Christmas
How time does fly! I didn't realize it had been so long since I posted. And now I'm a day late starting the 12 Days of Christmas posts! That just means you get two posts today. This year, I'm doing it a little bit differently. Instead of a project or recipe or craft every day, I'm focusing on family and service and the real spirit of Christmas. I will give you ten ideas or activities each day for the next 12 days. Some may be things you already do, and some will be things to do for yourself. Hopefully some will be new ideas for you. So here goes....
1. Be the first to wish everyone you meet and Merry Christmas!
2. Buy yourself or your spouse a pair of red flannel pajamas that you wear only on Christmas Eve.
3. Take the family to see a small town parade.
4. Don't count calories from December 15th through January 2nd.
5. Never select a Christmas tree after dark.
6. Take a basket of goodies to a notoriously grumpy neighbor.
7. Mend a broken relationship with a friend or relative during the holiday season.
8. Be nice to sales personnel. They're often more weary than you are!
9. Don't despair if you are short of cash. Be creative. Looking back, you will discover that the Christmases when you had the least were the Christmases when you gained the most and had the best memories.
10. Hang a favorite Christmas ornament from your car's rear view mirror. It will cheer you up when you are sitting in holiday traffic.
That's your list for today. If you implement even one of these ideas today, you will be a better person for it. It may make you feel better, or it may make a family member or friend feel better. It may even make someone you don't even know feel better! And if you can do that every day for 12 days, then why not all year long? Remember, Christmas is about the spirit, not how much you spend or how many gifts you give. See you tomorrow,
These are ATCs (Artist Trading Cards) I did for a swap.
Day 1 - Sorry, it's a bare tree and no partridge in sight.
Posted by GrammaG20 at 9:20 PM
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Saturday, November 24, 2012
Of Pickling and Pies
I'm sorry I've been such an absentee blogger these last few weeks. I have some major health issues that I haven't quite figured out how to deal with, and it's taking its toll. From bulging discs to narrowing nerve tunnels at the base of my spine, I spend a lot of time on a heating pad and I'm having to take pain meds, which I HATE!!! My doctor is have trouble finding something that works for me, because the pain meds that might help and would put most people to sleep, which is good, well, they keep me awake. I mean for 24 to 48 hours awake! And the body that doesn't sleep, doesn't heal. I just get more and more tired, which doesn't help anything, either.
Okay....on to another subject. In August, I took a class that was offered to the community garden volunteers to learn how to preserve the food from the garden. I have done quite a bit of bottling, but it was YEARS ago, and I know things have changed, so I signed up. And I had never really done any dehydration before, so I wanted to learn that, too. We bottled dilly beans, pickled beets, catsup, salsa, tomatoes, tomato juice, relish and tomato-apple chutney. We dried those same vegetables, too. We had a wonderful teacher. Her name is Marian and she is a Master Food Preserver and Educator. She is really funny, too. She kept us going, but kept us on track at the same time. Her other half, Gene, is a great guy, too. Here are a few photos from that experience.
This is some of the produce from the garden.
We grew some delicious tomatoes!
Here we are, listening to Marian as she talks about
food preservation safety.
This was our group.
And this was part of our bounty.
On Monday and Tuesday of this last week, part of us got together again to learn how to process squash and make pumpkin pies from scratch. In those two days, we made 80 pies! 40 of them went to the Men's Gospel Mission in Medford, 20 went to a group home here in Gold Hill, a few went to the custodians of the middle school, whose kitchen we used, a few to some other people, and the rest were split between the 6 of us doing the baking. I got home with three pies for our family. We gave one to Hally's Girl Scout leader. It was fun and I learned a lot. Since winter squash comes on during the school year, I never saw my mother process it, though I know she did, so this was all new to me. Here are some photos. I forgot to take a picture of all the pies before we boxed them up and shipped them out, darn it!
This is Gene with his saw. We
never could have done it without him!
Lots of squash.
Waiting to be scraped for processing.
This handy gadget separates the stuff you don't want
from the stuff you do. When we were bottling tomatoes,
it sent the peel and seeds one way and the meat of the
another way. With the squash, it sent the pulp
one way and the meat the other way. It was great!
Boxing up the pies!
The quiche we made for lunch on Tuesday. It was yummy!
Well, that's a little bit of what I've been doing with my time. I may not be up to par yet, but I'm mot totally out of it! Until next time, remember.......what you do today is important, because you are exchanging a day of your life for it! Take are all,
Posted by GrammaG20 at 12:55 AM
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Monday, October 29, 2012
Still doing apples!
Well, here I am, still doing apples! I thought they would be done by now, but I don't seem to be making much headway! This is going to be a short post because when I get off this computer, I'm doing applesauce. Really, I am going to do it this time! And some apple pie filling, too.
Lots of apples!
Have you got one of these handy gadgets? I borrowed this one from a friend.
It peels, cores and slices the apples all at the same time!
There you have it! The core is still on the gadget, the
peels are under it and the apple rings are to the right.
Pretty handy, huh? Hubby runs the gadget while I catch the rings and put them in a bowl, ready to cook down. Gotta go get busy! See you later.
Posted by GrammaG20 at 12:47 PM
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Labels: Applesauce. apples
Friday, October 26, 2012
Friday Friends!
Wow! It's Friday already!Time for some new Friday Friends. First up is Alisa Burke. She has a very nice blog that's a combination of craft, fashion and photography, a little of this and a little of that. While you're there, browse her whole blog. You'll find some great ideas! She's also going to be giving an online class called Create Daily. It's 30 days, a post a day, of simple ideas, projects and lessons, and it only cost $30! $20 if you register by Oct. 31. Anyway, the project I picked for you today is a wreath made from canvas circles and it's one that I definitely want to make for myself! So go on over and check out http://alisaburke.blogspot.com/2009/11/canvas-layers-holiday-wreath.html and see for yourself.
Next in our line-up is Lynn Stevens from Trash to Treasure. If you go to her site right now you will see some of the most amazing Halloween stuff. She participates in a lot of swaps and posts really nice photos of what she sends and what she gets in return. If you scroll all the way down to the bottom, you'll find her archives and you can dig around in there and find some outstanding ideas. I found one in November of last year that I thought was really beautiful and I would love to make it if I can find an old ice skate. http://trashtotreasureart.blogspot.com/2011_11_01_archive.html
Our next friend is Julia at Vintage with Laces. Her site is an eclectic mixture of home dec and craft, and it's truly lovely. As the blog title implies, she uses a lot of vintage laces in her projects and makes some gorgeous items. The one I picture here is one I especially like. Go visit her and be sure to leave a comment. Bloggers love comments.
And our final Friend for today is Julie Ann Shahin over at Julie Ann Shahin2. Her blog is full of paper crafts and art journaling and things that are interesting. I found a Smash book that I really like and that's what I'm sharing today, but go browse her blog and you'll find all kinds of goodies. http://julieannshahin2.blogspot.com/2011/07/homemade-smash-book-its-okay-just-smash.html.
Well, that's it for today. I hope you will visit all our friends and leave comments telling them you saw them here. Comments are good for them AND for me! And remember......the greatest artist was once a beginner, so don't be afraid to try anything! Until next time,
Posted by GrammaG20 at 10:43 AM
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Labels: craft project, Friday Friends, ideas
Thursday, October 25, 2012
Taking life as it comes.....
I have been using this week to catch up on some projects! I had quite a few swaps to get ready for Swap-bot, tomatoes to bottle, apples to dry and tomorrow I will be making applesauce and apple pie filling! I have two food dryers running as we speak, full of apple rings.
I also started decorating the house and yard this week. I know, it almost Halloween already, but a lot of the decorations I do outside are more Fall than just Halloween. Hehehe.....except for the headstones I'm making. This is the first year we've done this, but we are going to have a little mini-cemetery in the front yard. And we'll probably add more headstones every year. This is what we're starting with:
I'll post more photos when we get the "cemetery" done. Well, that's it for today! You can see that I've been busy. And it's not all done yet, either, but I will keep on pluggin'.
Thanks to all who are still reading and didn't give up on me. Life sometimes gets in the way of living, but I'm still here and plan to be for a long time. After all........either you run the or the day runs you!
Until next time,
This is what my kitchen table looks like right now!\
A huge square dryer and a smaller round dryer.
Nice looking apple rings.
Here are a few photos of some of the Swap-bot items.
Book page and postage stamp ATC.
(ATC= Artist Trading Card)
Christmas ATC #1
Christmas ATC #2
A spoon lady with extra items to hold in her arms.
I don't know if you can tell but she's made from a wooden spoon.
Christmas tag #1
Christmas tag #2
Christmas bookmark
I also started decorating the house and yard this week. I know, it almost Halloween already, but a lot of the decorations I do outside are more Fall than just Halloween. Hehehe.....except for the headstones I'm making. This is the first year we've done this, but we are going to have a little mini-cemetery in the front yard. And we'll probably add more headstones every year. This is what we're starting with:
The lighting in our kitchen makes everything look yellow!
The cornstalks are actually from our own garden!
This is the first year I didn't have to buy them.
This big spider web lights up.
I'll post more photos when we get the "cemetery" done. Well, that's it for today! You can see that I've been busy. And it's not all done yet, either, but I will keep on pluggin'.
Thanks to all who are still reading and didn't give up on me. Life sometimes gets in the way of living, but I'm still here and plan to be for a long time. After all........either you run the or the day runs you!
Until next time,
Posted by GrammaG20 at 1:03 PM
2 comments:
Labels: food preserving, Halloween, swap-bot
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text:
Savenet only use world class data centres based in Ireland. Savenet cloud services are hosted in our own VMware vCloud environment, located in BT Ireland's data centre in Citywest business campus, Dublin.
The primary environment in BT's data centre is connected to their 40 Gb/s IP Mesh, which is made up of multiple different network carriers for added redundancy and resilience.
BT Data Centre
- Resilient and carrier neutral connectivity to the internet, either through their own or other carriers' networks.
- Designed, built and operated to Tier 3 standards.
- Only data centre in Ireland with ISO20000 certification.
- ISO27001 security certifications and operates to ITIL service management standards
- Guaranteed service levels up to 99.999%
Aside from our primary Cloud environment, we also use Microsoft Azure as our preferred public Cloud partner.
For some customers, the stored data is held in Microsoft Azure – which has the most sophisticated network of global data centres of any public cloud service provider. We like Azure because it provides the most comprehensive compliance coverage of any cloud provider.
- More certifications than any other cloud provider
- Industry leader for customer advocacy and privacy protection
- Unique data residency guarantees
Microsoft Azure conforms to global compliance standards
To help organizations comply with national, regional, and industry-specific requirements governing the collection and use of individuals' data, Microsoft offers the most comprehensive set of certifications and attestations of any cloud service provider.
Azure meets a broad set of international and industry-specific compliance standards, such as ISO 27001, HIPAA, FedRAMP, SOC 1 and SOC 2, as well as country-specific standards, such as Australia IRAP, UK G-Cloud and Singapore MTCS.
Rigorous third-party audits, such as by the British Standards Institute, verify Azure's adherence to the strict security controls these standards mandate.
The choice of what datacentre to use is determined by the requirements of the particular customer and what service they are looking to use.

subset: commoncrawl


text:
Head Coach Scott Hyland
Scott Hyland is in his sixth season as head women's basketball coach at Hill College, compiling a 96-56 record, with 19 or more wins in each of the last four seasons. Over the past four years the Lady Rebels are the 4th winningest program in Region V, arguably the best region in the nation for women's junior college basketball and the 2nd winningest team in the conference. Over the last two years the Rebels have led the region in scoring, 3-point field goals, and defensive rebounds per game while making the 5th most free throws per game in the nation this past season.
During the 2013-14 season, the Lady Rebels spent a program record six consecutive weeks in the national rankings and finished the year #1 in the nation in 3-point field goal percentage defense holding opponents to 20.7% from beyond the arc.
In 2008-09, he led Texas A&M-Kingsville to a 16-11 record and included wins over three nationally ranked opponents. The winning record and big wins led the Lone Star Conference South Division to select Hyland as the Coach of the Year. The Javelinas led the LSC and set a program record in free throw percentage at 76.5 percent.
In his first three seasons, the Javelinas had 10 players earn Lone Star Conference All-Conference or Honorable Mention honors. In 2008-09, LaKeisha Jones earned First Team LSC South honors and Angela Franklin was named the LSC South Newcomer of the Year. Additionally, nine members of the Javelina squad received recognition on the LSC Commissioners Honor Roll.
Prior to taking over the Kingsville job Hyland was the winningest coach in the history of Paris Junior College women's basketball, posting an 80-72 record in five years including a 38-23 record his last two seasons, the second best two-year run in the history of the program. The Lady Dragons also went 20-16 in conference play the last two seasons, the best two-year run in school history. The Lady Dragon program reached several first time milestones under Hyland's leadership. The 2005-06 squad was nationally ranked for two weeks, the first time the program had ever received a national ranking. The 2002-03 team reached the regional tournament semifinals for the first time in school history. Two of the three 20-win seasons in the history of the program came under Hyland — 21-10 in 2005-06 and 20-12 in 2002-03. His Lady Dragon teams also set or tied 19 team and 16 individual records.
Head Coach - Hill College - 2012-Present
Assistant Coach - Texas Southern University - 2011-2012
Head Coach - Texas A&M University – Kingsville - 2007-2011
Head Coach - Paris Junior College - 2002-2007
Assistant Coach - University of Louisiana-Lafayette - 2000-2002
Assistant Coach - Odessa College - 1999-2000
Head Coach - College of Saint Mary - 1997-1999
Assistant Coach - Central High School (Omaha, NE) - 1996-1997
Assistant Coach - Dana College (Men) - 1994-1995
Assistant Coach - University of Nebraska-Omaha (men) - 1993-1994
Assistant Coach - University of Mary (Men) - 1990-1993
The 2009-10 Texas A&M-Kingsville squad set a number of school records and one national record.
Points in a game (115)
Number of times scoring 100 points (4)
Consecutive 100-point games (3)
Three-point field goals made in a game (19)
Three-point field goal attempts in a game (35)
Season field goal percentage (.443)
Season three-point percentage (.388)
Season three-point field goals made (246)
**Set a national mark by making by 12 consecutive three-pointers against Texas A&M-International.
The 18 wins by the team in 2009-10 have been the most at Texas A&M-Kingsville in the past 15-years. It was only the fifth time the program has reached the 18-victory total for a season.
Assistant Coach Rachel Jones
Rachel Jones is entering her first season as assistant women's basketball coach at Hill College.
Rachel graduated from St. Mary's University with a degree in Corporate Finance and Risk Management.
She played 2 seasons at St. Mary's, and was named Heartland Conference Newcomer of the Year and helped lead the Lady Rattlers to two Conference Championships and two DII NCAA Tournament appearances.
Rachel also played professionally overseas in Israel, Germany, and Estonia.
Assistant Coach Wanda Talton
Coach Wanda Talton begins her fifth season with the Hill College Lady Rebels basketball program.
Over her four years at Hill College, the program has continued to flourish while building a record of 81-41 and 3 straight regional tournament appearances. Serving as defensive coordinator for the Lady Rebels, Talton helped guide a defense that led the nation in 3-point field goal percentage defense and a top 15 ranking in defensive rebounds per game in 2013-14. In the 2015-15 season, the defense was in the top 12 in the nation in steals per game and in 2016-27 were Top 20 in total rebounds per game.
Coach Talton began her coaching career at Hutcheson Junior High School, and later served as an assistant coach at Sam Houston High School. Coach T established the basketball program at Arlington Bowie High School when the school re-opened in 1991. Her Lady Vols won four district championships, 9 bi-district championships, 6 regional quarterfinal appearances, two regional tournaments. In 2005 she led the Bowie Lady Vols to the 5A State Championship in girls' basketball. Her team is the only Arlington ISD team to ever win a state championship in basketball (men's or women's). In addition, Coach Talton is the only African-American woman to ever win a UIL state championship at the 5A level (which at the time was the largest HS classification). She taught all levels of mathematics during her career, and coached track and field as well.
Talton's former players have gone on to play at various college levels, from community college, to NAIA, to Division 1, 2 & 3. However, she is most proud of the servicewomen, doctors, nurses, lawyers, teachers, engineers, coaches, accountants, business owners and mothers they have become.
Coach Talton received her master of science in Interdisciplinary Studies and bachelor of arts in Mathematics from the University of Texas at Arlington. Talton is an alumni of Hill College, where she was a member of the Lady Rebels basketball team and graduated Summa Cum Laude with an associate's degree. She was inducted into the Hill College Athletic Hall of Fame in 2014 for her contributions to the early Lady Rebels Basketball program and her career accomplishments.


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Category Archives: Grammar
English Song For Learning Second Conditional: 'In These Arms' By Bon Jovi
Hello! I'm going to try something new today. You may or may not know that I'm an English teacher in Costa Rica, so naturally I try to find interesting resources and activities for my students. I realized that those same resources might be interesting or useful for other people who are learning English, so I decided to try sharing some of them, for both students...
- by Sitzman
- Grammar
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- November 29th 2017
How to Talk about Wishes in English
I wish I were at this beach right now. A while ago I wrote a post about how to talk about hopes in English. If you've not read that one yet, I'd suggest checking it out, because these two posts focus on similar ideas, but this post will build on some of the ideas from the other one. If you look up the words "hope"...
How to Talk about Hopes in English
I hope you're ready to learn a good way to talk about your plans and dreams for the future, because that's what we'll talk about today! This post is actually a two-in-one post, since it has an explanation about grammar and a Song of the Week. I chose this week's Song of the Week because we used it in class. We're talking about hopes and...
- by Sitzman
- Grammar
- 5 Comments
- May 23rd 2016
Past Perfect and Week 2 Homework
This picture of the Eiffel Tower was taken about four months before it was completed. It had been under construction for about a year and a half when this picture was taken. (Note: This includes information and a homework assignment for a class I'm teaching right now, but anyone is welcome to comment. Thanks!) Hello! This week we'll be working with the past perfect tense...
- by Sitzman
- Grammar
- 22 Comments
- July 22nd 2014
Reported Speech: A Quick Look
Hello! I've got a few more quotes from my students' presentations, but I wanted to start with this one. It's a good quote, but it also has an interesting grammatical element that many students –even advanced students– have problems with. But first, let's look at this John Lennon quote, from Luis' presentation: The full quote is actually a bit longer. It says: "When I was...
- by Sitzman
- Grammar
- Leave a comment
- June 4th 2014
5 Perfect Modals in Songs
Let's start with a song today. We're going to watch "I Should Have Known" by Foo Fighters. Pay particular attention to the title and the structure "should have known." Have you seen that before? Check out the video: We've recently been talking about perfect modals in one of the classes I teach, so I thought I'd do a post about them today. We'll look at...
- by Sitzman
- -Home-, English, Explanation, Gramática, Grammar
- 21 Comments
- April 11th 2013
Mistake Monday: Top 5 Mistakes
- by Sitzman
- 5, Common Errors, Englisch, English, Gramática, Grammar, Inglés, Mistake, Top, Top 5, Vocabulario, Vocabulary
- Leave a comment
- May 28th 2012
Verb Exercise Answers
Regular and Irregular Verbs
- by Sitzman
- Conjugation, English, Exercise, Gramática, Grammar, Inglés, Irregular, Past, practica, practice, Present, Regular, Tense, Verb, Verbo, Vocabulario, Vocabulary, Wortschatz
- Leave a comment
- May 8th 2012
Common Error: "I" vs. "Me"
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LANSING (AP) -- A new Michigan law will allow certain drivers to erase points from their record if they're willing to take a class.
Someone ticketed for speeding or other offenses would still pay fines. But completing a driver-improvement course would eliminate the points and possibly keep insurance rates from rising.
The Grand Rapids Press says Michigan drivers with two points or less on their record would qualify with a letter from the secretary of state. The course would be taken online or in a classroom.
Sen. John Pappageorge, a Republican from Troy, sponsored the law. He says drivers will never improve if they're simply hit with fines.
Commercial drivers are not covered by the law.
Published: Tue, Jan 4, 2011


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Starbucks to offer limited free Wi-Fi
Loyal customers will be favored
Starbucks, which for years rejected giving away free Internet service at its stores, has reversed course and said Monday that it will begin offering limited, free Wi-Fi at more than 7,000 company-owned U.S. stores.
The switch to AT&T Inc. from T-Mobile will allow customers to receive up to two hours of free Internet service starting this spring. However, to access the Wi-Fi, customers must have a cash balance on an active Starbucks card, which is used to buy drinks, CDs or other items. Cards start at $5.
Seattle-based Starbucks Corp. said it has not worked out all the details as to how much of a cash balance must be on a card, and it has not set firm dates when the free Wi-Fi will begin. But its hometown likely will be among the first large cities to get the service as it is rolled out this year, said Chris Bruzzo, the company's chief technology officer.
Starbucks and AT&T declined to disclose financial details of the deal.
"This is really motivated by our renewed focus on delivering a great Starbucks experience for our customers. We have talked about that for the last month," Bruzzo said. "This is the latest example to make a bold decision. ... We know it's responsive to what customers have asked for."
The change is the latest in a series of shake-ups at Starbucks since Chairman Howard Schultz returned as chief executive Jan. 7. Since then, Schultz has reorganized the leadership at the company's headquarters, and he decided that Starbucks would stop selling breakfast sandwiches in an effort to return to its coffee roots.
Schultz also recently implemented a contest among employees to sell more coffee beans, and the company began testing $1 cups of drip coffee and free refills in Seattle-area stores last month.
All of the moves -- with more expected -- are designed to improve relationships with customers, who are drinking less at Starbucks and who are being offered less-expensive drip and specialty coffee at competitors such as McDonald's and Dunkin' Donuts. Bringing back customers also is key to improving Starbucks' stock price, which has dropped 44 percent in the past 12 months
Starbucks shares closed up 26 cents Monday at $18.52 in Nasdaq trading.
Before Monday's announcement, Starbucks had consistently said that selling Wi-Fi service through a partnership with Bellevue-based T-Mobile USA offered customers a superior product compared with free Internet service at some independent coffee stores. Seattle-based Tully's Coffee Corp. has been offering free Wi-Fi since August 2006 as a way to attract more customers.
Sanja Gould, a Starbucks spokeswoman, said the free service would reward loyal customers who use a Starbucks card. She said the company has sold more than 100 million cards, but they are often discarded once they are used, and the company doesn't have an accurate count on how many cards are in circulation.
If customers want Internet service beyond the free two hours, it will cost $3.99 for another two hours. Monthly memberships will cost $19.99 and include access to any of AT&T's 70,000 hot spots worldwide. Starbucks also is giving its employees free access to the Internet at company stores.
Current T-Mobile HotSpot customers, who pay $6 per hourlong session, $9.99 for a day pass or $39.99 a month for unlimited access, will get Wi-Fi access at no extra charge through an agreement between AT&T and T-Mobile.
James Walsh, an analyst who covers Starbucks for Coldstream Capital Management in Bellevue, said the switch was a "positive move" that would drive traffic to Starbucks stores.
AT&T said the deal with Starbucks would expand its domestic hot spots from 10,000 to 17,000, and it would help the company compete for broadband customers. For the past decade, AT&T, the nation's largest telecommunications company, has powered the network service Starbucks uses for its business services such as cash registers.
Bruzzo said that when customers use the free Wi-Fi, they will be directed to a page that Starbucks also could use to promote CDs or books sold in stores.
"We want to take advantage that you are in the store, and we can share things that are relevant and specific," Bruzzo said.


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If your not familiar with the FHA 203K loan process it can be quite a cumbersome, and tricky one!
Have you been told a property needs a cash buyer?
This product is the solution to being able to obtain it without a cash purchase!
This product is the one tool available in the market place with FHA rates that can be used to finance a property in need of repair.
A large percentage of the business profession prefer to steer clear of this product due to its' complex layers, and added timeline needed to close. However, for the savy and experienced Real Estate broker this product can be your best friend in a sea of properties requiring cash or unfinancable without such a product.
In a nut shell it is a FHA product typically about 1/4 point higher than standard FHA rates. The minimum percentage down required stays at 3.5%. The average closing timeline is 45 to 60 days. Most individuals use this product as a short term strategy to obtain the property. Then 120 days after the repairs are completed a Streamline FHA Refinance is used to refinance the property into a lower rate. I recommend this to my 203K clients to maximize the ability to obtain the property, and minimize the long term costs of the higher rate. If you were satisfied with the lender you used, asking them to assist may yield the most cost savings on the closing cost portion as it is a plain vanilla switch from one FHA product to another when you do a Streamline Refi.
To embark on this path can truly be a nightmare if not paired with a team of skilled professionals fluent in 203K. As an example I had a client recently who was told their lender could do a FHA 203K loan. Unfortunately, the client was committed to a lender who was using them as a guinea pig for their first go around with the product. Literally a nightmare waiting to happen! The loan took almost 90 days to close, one delay after another, more added costs than should have been there, and the buyer lost the tax credit as a result of all the delays pushing the closing past June 30th.
To AVOID SUCH A 203K Nightmare follow these tips:
1. Pair yourself with a team of professionals experienced with these loans. Try to verify if they have a minimum of 3-4 203K loans closed in the current 12 month period. This will ensure they are familiar with current guidelines of current banks funding these loans. In the primary loan market unless a firm will keep a 203K loan in an internal portfolio, like Wells Fargo, then there are only about 3 major banks out there who will fund a 203K loan. This means lenders who work with these programs should know in advance who they will send the loan to, and be familiar with their current guidelines, underwriters (if in house or not...HUGE DIFFERENCE!)
2. Find a Real Estate/MTG Broker who deams themself a "Specialist" like myself, and listen to their recommendations as they will truly save you time and money with the knowledge and value added experience they hold.
3. Make sure the team you've created stays in consistent communication on your behalf always working for the same shared goal of the best terms and conditions possible for you, their mutual client and buyer.
4. Find out of you can choose the HUD Consultant for the transaction. Some lenders let you pick from a list, others will tell you it is automatically selected by the lender with no buyer selections available. If you can pick the HUD Consultant contact a few firms to ask their basic cost structure for 203K Consulting, their timeline of availability booking out for inspections. Some lenders require a HUD Consultant be involved for all 203K loans. Others only require them for loans where the repairs exceed $35K.
5. Know the difference in a Streamline 203K loan (under $35K in repairs) and a "Full K" as the 203K savy lenders call it. The more repairs, the longer the timeline needed to complete them.
6. Many individuals confuse this product thinking they can do the repairs themselves. Keep in mind to protect their interests the bank funding your 203K loan will require all licensed & insured professionals to complete all repairs to town codes with permits. They consider the borrower who works full time to not have the time or level of professional skill, including adequate insurance coverage, to be a risk they will not take on.
7. Be prepared to use a GC or Project Manager familiar with 203K loans. Additionally, they will have to carry the project costs for weeks or months at a time until draw dispersements are released. A contractor must agree to these terms and be aware of this or the work will not move along meeting the timelines set by the bank. The contractors selected must have no liens current or prior, and a strong financial and credit profile will be required to be validated and approved to do all repairs. Basically, each vendor needs to be approved by the bank to verify all estimates submitted for the repairs.
.....I've heard of a builder being foreclosed and the buyer asking the builder to do the repairs since he knew the building best. Once the builders credit is pulled he will not be approved by the lender as a high risk and conflict of interest. Should the contractor you choose have personal credit issues, this could prevent their ability to be validated as well.
8. More on The HUD Consultant...Be prepared to be flexible. The bank funding your loan will require at a minimum the property meets FHA guidelines. The role of the HUD consultant is truly to protect the borrower from any false information or inaccurate estimates from vendors/contractors. They use a set of industry standard pricing to determine estimates are in line with a norm for work to be commpleted. You may decide to do repairs above the minimum guidelines, and they must all be includedin the HUD Consultants report.
9. Take advantage of your Realtors' resources. If they do these loans often like myself, they should have a team of seasoned professionals they regularly work with on these types of loans. They should be able to assist with recommendations for vendors for all aspects of estimates needed. They will need to be validated for each new property they work on. However, they will be familiar with the process, and will accept and work with the payment terms. Most importantly they will have experience successfully reaching the goals set forth by the client in a cost effective, efficient and timely manner.
10. Make sure your lender has in house underwriting. Should the lender you choose to work with not have the ability to complete the loan inhouse, and send it to a bank in another state plan for some unavoidable bumps in the road. I recently had a client whose lender was in New York and we operate in New Hampshire. We had many obstacles or hoops of fire as I like to call them to jump through that were ridiculous and unnecesary. If the lender was in the state and had inhouse underwriting there would have been a direct person to go to for conditions that needed to be met to close. This can add days to weeks of added time to close, and can throw a serious wrench in the borrowers and the vendors timelines! If the property is bank owned, which a majority of these properties are....the per diem gets very costly, and asset managers can be less than accomodating granting extensions needed!
Examples of reasons to do a 203K loan:
Should you be embarking on a 203K Loan and have questions, or should you know someone seeking a property that would need a product like this to obtain it send them my way!
I have many 203K loans behind my belt, and I have a great team of vendors and resources to help ensure as smooth of a 203K process as possible. I have multiple lenders I work with with a successful track record for these loan types. What matters most is being in capable hands of savy 203K professionals!
Article by Kelesy Nippe


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For a list of river cruises on the MS L'Europe, click
Explore Europe's magnificent rivers and cultural wonders when you travel onboard the modern, spacious MS L'Europe. While sailing, you'll enjoy a variety of amenities, including a gift shop, bar and dance floor, as well as comfortable accommodations. Your private stateroom includes two twins or one double bed, satellite television and a bathroom with shower. Gourmet meals featuring only the freshest of ingredients are served daily; breakfast is a self-serve buffet while lunch and dinner are three course feasts. Exciting sightseeing is available in each port and you can also take in the stunning views from the top level sun deck.
Copyright © 2020 by Vacations To Go. All rights reserved. CST 2072920-50


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Discussion in 'THE AIGBURTH ARMS' started by Cloud, Aug 9, 2019.
I can't imagine a world where I don't find you boring this question is impossible to answer
<-there's not enough of these to truly represent how much I was laughing over this!!!!
Here's a new avatar for you @neilold
Ah Mr Sponge himself
More peas dear
But you are OK with the nazi armband, aren't you?
Ahh Neil, I have to say it wouldn't matter what colour you're in, I would never do you. ooh err missus !
You would do me, and you'd love it to
When you put it like that, It would be rude not too.
This picture and the present bunch of clowns that we have as politicians on all sides makes me think that what an opportunity it is for 'Spitting Image' to make a return. I mean there really is no end to the material they could use.
Dear @Cloud
Please can you draw the moment @Bluey realised which steeple belonged to which church whilst using his binoculars. He's as happy as can be, which is miserably mediocre at best.
Meanwhile Mavis is watching on and @Nikki the Great 's shorts are drying on the washing line in the neighbouring property
Oh and @neilold is having a poo somewhere (and most of it has landed on his face)!
Yes, I'd like to see this too. It was a great moment after all.
I didn't really know how to draw bluey so I drew him as Pepsiman
You have a scatalogical obsession with pictures of me being pood on ant, it's very worrying
Excellent picture, @Cloud. It deserves to go on display at the Louvre.
Perfect. My second fave!!! IT's impossible to top the forum computer one though... or is it?!!!
I doubt you're even potty trained yet.
Regardless, you still have some sort of weird scat obsession with me.
or you just regularly poo your pants
That's besides the point


text:
louder wrote:FOYS wrote:louder wrote:FOYS wrote:louder wrote:FOYS wrote:Yeah. As in Munich. Pleb. What's not to understand ?
Radders wasn't on about Bayern, he was on about Yanited. Now who is the PLEB ? Seems like you're the one who has problems understanding
Quality ! Two chances and you still got it wrong He was on about Man City (The arabs ). Making you still the pleb I even changed it to Rotherham to give you another chance Jackass ! Problems understanding, much ? Thank you and good night
Radders, when mentioning the Arabs and munichs was meaning Man City (Arabs) and munichs ( Yanited).
I just told you that, mug. And will you please stop hanging off my every post. Why the heck did you get involved in an exchange between Radders and I ? Oddball. Sort your behaviour out.
OMG, you really are a thicko Jimmy. I bet your real name is Benny and you live in a village!!


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Gallery: Los Angeles: 16 Doughnuts We Love
Best Local Chain: Yum Yum Donuts
Though Yum Yum now owns and operates its former West Coast competitor Winchell's, there's still something special about the doughnuts that come in the box with the smiley-faced man. The glazed are light and fresh; the cake have a nice moist crumb; and the toppings like sprinkles, nuts, and coconut are plentiful. Doughnuts from Yum Yum may not elicit squeals of gustatory glee, but there's a good chance that if you bring in a dozen to your morning meeting, you'll still be pretty popular.
724 North Highland, Los Angeles, CA 90038 (map); 323-462-9067; yumyumdonuts.com
Best Cake: Bob's Coffee & Doughnuts
Straightforward, not too sweet, and with just the right amount of glaze (the smooth, slightly nutty maple is best), these have none of the heavy, mealiness that plagues their lesser brethren. And though they are particularly moist for cake doughnuts, the compact, tight crumb makes them the ultimate doughnut for dipping.
6333 W. 3rd Street #450, Los Angeles, CA 90036(map);
Best French Cruller: Doughnut Hut
The liberal coating of glaze atop Doughnut Hut's fluted Frenchies is the perfect complement to the touch of savoriness from the egg-rich choux pastry. Because of their moist, almost custard-like interiors, these French crullers lose their springiness quickly, but when they're fresh, they are light enough to dissolve in your mouth.
2025 W. Magnolia Blvd, Burbank, CA 91506 (map);
Best Jelly: Stan's Donuts
Westwood's doughnut king offers a traditional jelly-filled doughnut, but even better is the blueberry cheese, which inverts the classic confection by putting the blueberry jam on top, leaving prime real estate inside the feathery challah-like pastry, for a sweet cheese filling.
10948 Weyburn Ave., Los Angeles CA 90024 (map); 310-208-8660; stansdoughnuts.com
Best Seasonal Specialty: Donut Man
It's hard to go wrong at this roadside favorite. The massive tiger tail swirls together dense, rich devil's food with one of the lightest glazed doughnuts around. The raspberry-filled one teems with an insane amount of fresh jam. Even the coffee is remarkably good, a special blend put together by the Donut Man's wife Miyoko. But folks line up for the fleeting joys of the seasonal strawberry doughnuts: light, airy, not too sweet beauties that may tempt you to abandon shortcake and pie forever. Even more ephemeral? The peach version, made with local yellow peaches and available only from mid-July to August each year.
915 E Route 66, Glendora CA 91741(map);
Best Churro: Mr. Churro
The plain churros, unfailingly fresh and piping hot from the fryer, are 18 inches of fried dough at its simple finest. The crisp, sugar-coated exterior gives into a soft, slightly crumbly interior. But the cajeta churro, split in two and piped with deep brown caramel sauce from a specially outfitted dispenser, is the real winner here. Rich and decadent enough to easily satisfy two.
15 Olvera Street, Los Angeles CA 90012 (map);
Best Buttermilk: Gladstone Donut House
With their cleft centers and crisp, rustic edges, Gladstone's buttermilk bars may not be beauties. But that craggy surface adds additional surface area, allowing more of the thick maple or chocolate glaze to seep into the soft, almost biscuit-like interior, creating rich, gooey pudding pockets throughout.
1329 N. Lake Ave., Pasadena CA 91104 (map);
Best Doughnut Sandwich: Natas Pastries
Natas Pastries assembles their Bola de Berlin to order, slicing a springy yeast doughnut in half and slathering one side with a thick spread of vanilla-tinged yellow pastry cream to create a kind of Portuguese doughnut sandwich. Served on a proper lace doily, this sure looks dignified but as the custard oozes out, it quickly descends into a finger-licker of a mess.
13317 Ventura Blvd., Sherman Oaks CA 91423 (map); 818-788-8050; nataspastries.com
Best Glazed: Tasty Donut
This is pretty close to what you picture when you close your eyes and think "doughnut." A slightly wet honey glaze hugs the feathery yeast dough, with the occasional droplet of crystallized crunch. It's light enough that you could easily devour the whole thing in a few bites, but better to savor each tender morsel of sweet, chewy dough.
8120 Santa Monica Blvd., West Hollywood CA 90046 (map); 323-650-1325
Best Chocolate Creation: Donut King
On the outside, this honey glazed giant, topped with a thick chocolate glaze and a hearty sprinkling of mini chocolate chips, has enough cocoa clout to catch the eye of any serious chocolate fiend. But bite into it, and the chocolate madness continues! There's a hidden cluster of even more chips inside. It's the doughnut's answer to pain au chocolat.
3970 Sepulveda, Culver City CA 90230 (map); 310-313-3686
Best Doughnut for Teatime: Patisserie Eguchi
Doughnuts and coffee may be best buds, but if you're looking for a sweet accompaniment to afternoon tea, we suggest the elegant doughnuts sold at the Patisserie Eguchi counter in the Radio Gallery shopping mall. Petite with a subtle sweetness and madeleine-like crumb, these are delicate, civilized doughnuts.
833 S Western Ave # 38, Los Angeles CA 90005 (map);
Best Raised: Randy's Donuts
Inglewood's classic raised doughnuts, with their tender, light yeast dough and perfect ratio of coating (whether glaze or sugar), are the best part of flying in and out of LAX. Pillowy soft, they still maintain a surprising chew, giving them a texture complexity not often found in unadorned doughnuts.
805 West Manchester Ave., Inglewood CA 90301 (map); 310-645-4707; randys-donuts.com
Best Cream-Filled: Doughnut Hut
One of the greatest doughnut mysteries in LA may be how these impossibly soft, delicate yeast pastries can hold up to the generous filling of sugary frosting that bursts out of them in a perfect, swirling puff. But with that sumptuous dough surrounding a mound of birthday cake icing, we're happy to continue investigating the case.
2025 W. Magnolia Blvd., Burbank CA 91506 (map);
Best Gonzo Doughnut: Stan's Donuts
Using ingredients seemingly stolen from an eight-year-old's sack lunch, Stan's has created one of the most sought-after doughnuts in town. Stuffed with a generous dollop of thick, gooey peanut butter and either jelly or banana slices (and topped, if you like, with chocolate chips) these crazy, rich doughnuts cry out for a cold glass of milk.
10948 Weyburn Ave., Los Angeles CA 90024 (map); 310-208-8660; stansdoughnuts.com
Best Cream Puff: King's Donut & Deli
Basically these are eggy French crullers filled with either cool, foamy whipped cream or runny (in a good way) custard and then dusted with powdered sugar, these dainty cream puffs are light enough that you can easily down a dozen without batting an eye.
2140 S Fremont Ave., Alhambra CA 91803 (map); 626-281-1560
Best in Show: Primo's Donuts
The problem with this West L.A. favorite is that it excels in almost all categories. Best Buttermilk Bar for its buttery, tender crumb. Best Crumb Doughnut for its rendition that achieves the near impossible: the perfect ratio of cake to topping with a moist dusting of crumbs you would actually want to eat on their own. Best Chocolate Frosted for cocoa icing thicker and tastier than most puddings. Best Glazed for, well, we could go on for a while. Instead we'll award them best of the best and leave you with the advice to get there early. They close at 4 p.m. on weekdays and though they make a second batch of doughnuts at 10 each morning, by noon it can be slim pickings.
2918 Sawtelle Blvd., West Los Angeles CA 90064 (map); 310-478-6930; primosdonuts.com


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Early this month during CES we got a glimpse at some of the most advanced tech to ever come out smart automobiles. Soon we will be driving around in electronic cars, and perhaps not even driving ourselves, rather sitting in a car that drives itself. Here are some of the most interesting electronic and smart cars that are currently in prototype, that will change the vehicle landscape forever.
RELATED: Autonomous Ford Fusion Hybrid Revealed
Toyota FCV Plus
We might be a few years away from this beautiful car, but what Toyota is trying to achieve here needs to be appreciated. The FCV Plus is being designed to run off a hydrogen fuel cell that is able to generate electricity straight from the water in the car's engine. This battery is being designed to be functional in the car, as well as outside the car in your household. Charge the battery while driving, and when you get home, plug it into your house power grid, and power your electronics at home.
Ford Sync 3
We covered the awesome features of the Ford Sync 2 in 2016, but it seems that the car company has big plans for its next installment in the dashboard interface and its smart cars for the future. Ford Sync 3 will come with brand new features such as enhanced voice recognition that will let you ask for directions, browse phone contacts, and even select a radio station by talking to the car. The new touchscreen features will let you get around the menus faster, and it will also introduce Android Auto into the smart cars so you can use Google's in-car system.
BMW AirTouch 3D
If BMW was not fancy enough, its latest UI features available in the new BMW 7 Series will see you waving your hands around to control a tablet-like display that lets you control your car's entertainment system. You can call and, choose music, increase and decrease volume, and much more. The best thing about it, is that it is pretty big, but at the same time it is not a touch screen, rather it senses your fingers as you move them across the air, and the UI navigation is controlled through gestures.
Nissan Leaf
If there is anything we hate about driving, it's driving on the highway. The new Nissan Leaf will make use of Nissan's ProPilot feature that will see it drive in a single lane automatically on the highway. The Nissan ProPilot feature is already something to be amazed at as the feature is able to scan the surroundings using image-processing and this lets it understand road and traffic situations, and control the smart cars according to this.
Nvidia's Self Driving Car
Nvidia might be the leading graphics card and PC hardware manufacturer, but the company is very hard at work developing self-driving smart cars, sensor technology for cars of the future. Nvidia has partnered with Audi to develop fully self-driving smart cars by 2020. These smart cars will be the most self-aware cars on the market, as well as be able to drive on side roads and the highway.
Electronic and smart cars are sure to change the way we drive and even use car insurance in the future and we're excited about this journey. Let us know what you hope to see from electronic and smart cars in the future.


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At 03:50 PM 12/31/96 +0000, Digitome Ltd. wrote: >etc. Should we not be building on this existing terminology base >rather than invent a new one? This, after all, is the terminology of >the target market. If this was done could we maintain a link (sorry) >to the "correct" HyTime terminology and include it in an appendix? As I said in an earlier post, even if the final XML design is HyTime conforming, it's not necessary to expose that in the base spec--thus there's no direct requirement to use HyTime terminology in the spec. It will be necessary to provide the mapping from XML terms to HyTime terms at some point, either as an appendix to the spec or as a separate TR. I say this because I recognize several realities that constrain the direct exposure of HyTime in the XML linking spec: 1. There is, for whatever reason, significant hostility to HyTime in general. Why invite trouble? HyTime, as a standard, is a somewhat different animal from SGML, in that HyTime is designed, in part, to be retrofitted to existing document types and applications: it defines semantics more than syntax, therefore, there's less urgency in building in HyTime from the start (although I still think that's a good thing--but then I would). 2. HyTime, is, by the nature of its scope and generality, complex and somewhat difficult to understand (although I hope we've improved on that with the TC). Because what XML needs is relatively simple compared to the totality of what HyTime (or any other industrial-strength hypertext scheme) can do, there's no reason to unduly burden the XML Link spec with complexities it doesn't need. One of the points of XML is to hide the complexities of the architectures from which it is derived until you're ready to move beyond XML. Note that we, as designers of the spec, will have to expose to ourselves some of these complexities so that we can come to clear agreement on the simplifications the final spec embodies. In other words, we have to know how the simplicity and constraints of XML Link relate to the more general features and concepts of the specs from which they're derived (whether that's HyTime, TEI, or whatever). It's a cliche', but a true one, that only experts can write good basic texts. Thus, in the process of applying our collective expertise (which is pretty vast) to the problem of creating a basic text for XML Link, we'll have to chew on many expert-level issues, in part to be sure of those we can avoid in the spec. 3. The terminology of hypermedia is, in general, murky, and HyTime doesn't necessarily help--many of the common terms are overloaded and not necessarily intuitive to the uniformed observer. Therefore, we should give greater weight to usability of the spec than to terminological conformance to one particular standard. As an aside, there's no point in trying to defend the terminology used in the HyTime standard: it's there and that's that, for good or ill. But I think it's important to remember that HyTime was developed over a period of years during which many of the important concepts and terms of hypertext were being developed, so that, at the beginning, there were not always clear precedents for the use of a particular term. In some cases, the choices were arbitrary, in others, they made sense within the HyTime system. In some cases they were chosen out of ignorance of alternatives. This is the way all standards are developed--it's unavoidable given human nature and human failings. Cheers, E. -- W. Eliot Kimber (email@example.com) Senior SGML Consulting Engineer, Highland Consulting 2200 North Lamar Street, Suite 230, Dallas, Texas 75202 +1-214-953-0004 +1-214-953-3152 fax http://www.isogen.com (work) http://www.drmacro.com (home) "Rats in the morning, rats in the afternoon...if they don't go away, I'll be re-educated soon..." --Austin Lounge Lizards, "1984 Blues"Received on Tuesday, 31 December 1996 11:08:03 UTC
This archive was generated by hypermail 2.4.0 : Friday, 17 January 2020 20:25:06 UTC


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Facial Fat Grafting/Fat Transfer Beverly Hills
Facial fat grafting or fat transfer is an excellent option to restore youthful volume to one's face. As aging continues, key areas of your face begin to sag, lose volume, and appear flat. This can be treated with fillers, but often times, your own body fat can be used to restore the natural, youthful volume around your cheeks and mid-face.
Often times, superior results are achieved with complementary procedures. Dr. Attenello may also recommend these to obtain a well-balanced and natural result. This can include an eyelift (blepharoplasty) or facelift.
During the procedure:
The procedure is performed in a fully accredited operating suite. Your body fat is removed from your abdomen through tiny incisions either hidden in your belly button or the sides of your abdomen. These incisions are very small and usually heal imperceptibly. Next, the fat is then prepared by removing unnecessary fluids and then carefully transferred to your face to restore volume to the areas that are flattened and volume deficient.
If performed alone, swelling and bruising are usually minimal to moderate and all sutures placed over the tiny incisions are dissolvable and do not need to be removed. Some slight discomfort of the abdomen is also normal and this improves after a week. If performed alone, patients feel comfortable to return to social activity after a few days, though we recommend refraining from heavy exercise for two weeks.


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Award-winning playright Rob Drummond (Mr Write, Wrestling, Quiz Show, Bullet Catch) shares the initial thoughts behind the conception of his latest piece, The Riot of Spring – part of the wave of events sweeping the UK to celebrate 100 years of Stravinsky and Nijinsky's game-changing, riot-inducing first performance of The Rite of Spring.
Opening tonight at Glasgow Tramway, the past five weeks have been an intense time for the three performers in the show: Rob, a cellist and a dancer, all of whom will be trying out each other's particular skill on stage in a show which questions our attitude towards the arts and the politics behind it, towards talent, towards the possibility of creating original art and towards the alarming state of our society today. If Stravinsky's original composition is subtitled Scenes from Pagan Russia, Drummond's is Scenes from Secular Britain.
For more on how the piece has progressed see the Arches website.
Where did the idea for your Auteurs Project work come from?
As part of the Auteurs development process I went to Saratoga to take part in the SITI company summer theatre intensive. I had never received any formal performance training which meant that I occasionally, and by that I of course mean constantly, felt insecure about this aspect of my work. Part of the course was studying the Rite of Spring and everything about it from the incredible music to the unorthodox choreography. The fact that the original performance caused a riot appealed hugely to me. The fact that the dates we had in mind for the Auteurs performances fit in so perfectly with the 100 year anniversary of the riot just meant that this became the show I had to do.
What has been the highlight of your development process?
Without doubt the summer intensive. We were trained in speech, movement, contemporary dance, Suzuki method (an extremely difficult technique where one delivers lines whilst performing a sort of martial art), Viewpoints (group improvisation) and dramaturgy. A lot of what we learned I was already using instinctively in my practice, I just didn't necessarily know why or have a name for it. Viewpoints has informed the collaborative way we will be working on the Riot of Spring.
What can audiences expect to see/experience?
I don't know yet. That's the fun of the way we'll be working. The show will come together in the room with the musician and the dancer. I know there will be live music. I know there will be dance. I know it will be a riot.
Who would be your perfect theatrical collaborator dead or alive?
Nick Griffin. Dead.
Describe your piece in three words:
Rules Are For Wimps.
Rob Drummond performs The Riot Of Spring at Tramway, Glasgow on Fri 10th and Sat 11th May. Tickets are available from the Arches Box Office on 0141 565 1000 or online here.
Illustrations by Rosemary Cunningham – @illustrationetc


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We are a family-owned and operated nursery, garden center and greenhouse operation serving Rapid City, the Black Hills and surrounding area. Visit us for an extensive selection of nursery stock, greenhouse plants and garden and landscape supplies.
Doing business at our location at 2613 E. Hwy 44 since 1978 when the former Purington Nursery was purchased by Alan and Janet Leighton. The nursery and garden center has changed over the years with the additions of a new store, greenhouses, warehouse and parking. Today, The Plantsmyth focuses on providing gardeners with quality nursery stock, greenhouse plants, garden and landscaping supplies along with the best information available.


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50% SALE Isabella
This item is one of a kind! Handmade with love. This vintage Levi's denim jacket is embellished with fringes, lace & vintage materials.
Runs as a size S/M, boyfriend fit
Measurements (when laying flat)
Length: 52 cm
Width: 48 cm
Shoulder to shoulder: 38 cm
Sleeves: 56 cm
Please note:
– Most of the denim jackets are original vintage mens Levi's denim jackets, so the fit is oversized
– The denim jackets are vintage so there may be signs of wear (but that actually makes it prettier don't you think?)
– Spotcleaning or handwash with care only
Out of stock


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Usually on Monday I have sunshine and rainbows all over the place….NOT this week! This week I entered into the cliche of "having a Monday". I woke up on the wrong side of the bed and stayed there all day as one thing after another went wrong wrong wrong.
My dog did not behave, my body did not behave. Cady, my car, did not behave. It amazed me to see just how much I take my car for granted. I was running close to late. I should mention that late, in my opinion, is less than ten minutes early. Luckily this helped me to only be 8 minutes late. I have my timing down pat now at my new job. Cady's battery was dead somehow. Of course the office didn't have anyone to help, I do have cables and I just needed a car. I call AAA and my coverage expired in December….oh my I was LIVID!!! Deep breaths, more deep breaths and anxiety meds…..then it looks like I'm down for the count….and around the corner comes a fellow dog Mom.
Rachel happened to have a BRAND NEW Mazda right there! A quick jump to my battery, a million thank yous and I'm off!!! Thank you dog Mom!!!
Come to find out I worked my entire shift and Tuesday morning I get a text that this week is my schedule change to have Monday off and work Friday instead…..YOU'VE GOT TO BE JOKING ME!?!?!?? Come on!!!
On the up side I had last night off and boy did I need it. I napped and fell dead asleep last night. My Love shows me what our little fur face has done overnight…..she chewed through her bed again so now she gets nothing!!! Bad dog!
Week one of Weight Watchers went great!! 2.8 pounds lost!!! I lost more last week than I've been able to do in the last 6 months. 😃
Thursday we have a concert to go to!! Jason Mraz acoustic show!!! Yay!!!! Sushi before, which is ALWAYS a good idea! 😃
Things are going well, as long as I take it easy. Doc is keeping an eye on me, but that's what he's for, right?! 😃


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Here I AmBook - 2016
From the critics
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I really don't even know where to begin in my explanation for how brilliant this book truly is. Foer's ability to capture the human experience through dialogue and exhaustive, sometimes painfully accurate and self-reflective, descriptions of emotion is unparalleled. I am married and marriage is a major plot point of the novel that deeply resonated with me, but I do not have children. Despite my lack of spawn, however, I was completely enraptured by the narrative elements which illuminated the very specific plight of being a parent. I do not consider myself a religious person and I am not Jewish, but Foer's humanistic perspective on culture and religion was profoundly enlightening. This novel will make you laugh, it might make you cry, but mostly it will make you think deeply about what it means to be a human being in all of the different capacities that it takes to live a well-examined life.
Having loved "Extremely Loud and Incredibly Close", I had great expectations regarding this book and, in a way, I expected to be disappointed but the disappointment was not too bad. Some of the things I had thought cool and original in his previous book are also to be found in "Here I Am". At times I could not help but feel that Safran Foer was "trying too hard". Had I not read his previous novel, I might have enjoyed this one more.
Fascinating book. Compare and contrast: the breakup of a family and the breakup of nations.
Jonathan Foer's return to fiction is well worth the wait and works on many levels. It is a melancholic account about the Bloch family both nuclear and extended. It has a great deal of dialogue which is very funny in places. The narrative also has many flashbacks and flash forwards which disrupts the flow. It reflects the deterioration in the marriage.
I am not Jewish. I appreciated the insights provided about both the blessings and the burden of being Jewish particularly the relationship between Israel the country and Jews in America.
I paraphrase what my husband said about the author. It's like watching a train wreck, but the writing is so good, you can't look away. Worth it.
If you like witty, snappy dialogue and being incredibly depressed, have I got a book for you!
This book is a smart, honest look at a family disintegrating and a man trying to be really present for it all, but mostly failing. Parts are compulsively readable, and parts will maybe destroy you (if you're built like me, anyway). It's an awfully dark pick for these dark times. But, Foer has done something admirable here, and if you're up for it generally and specifically a fan of long, ponderous domestic fiction, it's worth the read.
In more than one sense, Foer's <i>Here I Am</i> is a "Guernica" of family relationships. So often during the reading I sat in open-mouthed wonder at the author's prose, his ability to paint emotions that defy the gravity of syntax: how in the world does the artist shift time and point of view and location all in the same paragraph to heighten impact without creating chaos! Courage and skill beyond anything close to the "literary fiction" norm. So I like his style. But this book is also a statement, a wrenching exploration of how difficult it is soldier on in the losing battle of love and commitment and existence. It is also a story, a compelling plot that strives beyond a bit of history or a character sketch. Foer creates an extended cast of likeable characters all fighting to hang on to their own definition of themselves, their own fragile creations of reality. Like Picasso's famous work, the outcome is devastating, but Foer manages a triumph of sorts, a quiet, grim victory of the human spirit. Real. The saddest, most honest conclusion I am likely to ever read.
Here I am has a special shine.
Long,insightful...the writing is brilliant.
The characters aren't particularly likeable , but they are recognizable,
The dialogue between the cousins was my favourite...the husband/wife relationship was a constant game of one-upmanship.
The kids were precocious and the words placed in their mouths stretched credulity.
Easy to see why it took Foer a decade to write this.
The last chapter was incredibly moving.
I liked this book - the tensions of being jewish in both the US and Israel were interesting, the kids were adorable, and the relationship between husband and wife was well-written. Reminded me of Jonathan Franzen's The Corrections. However, I do think this petered out about halfway through, and that Everything is Illuminated is a much nicer read.
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In honor of groundhog's day, I'm going to talk about shoes. Disconnect, you say? Nonsense. We're talking about spring being around the corner, and that means one thing: fashionable attire. For an empress–or any lady–fashionable attire leads to footwear, ergo, today we will examine the insane popularity of Christian Louboutin heels and their ilk.
Now, I'm all for looking smashing and turning heads, but ladies, do we really need to invite deformation, ankle twists and the unsightly bulge known as Pump Bump?
We Austrians may have our quirks, but if there is one area in which we excel, it's in the manifestation of the sensible shoe. As you know, Vienna boasts several bespoke shops along its main retail thoroughfares–Am Graben, Kohlmarkt and Kärntner Strasse.
Modern-day dandies and the elegantly attired flock to Rudolf Scheer & Söhne where they can outfit themselves with the same late 19th century quality enjoyed by the Emperor and myself. Shoes that will hike a mountain and still retain their sole. Shoes that put foot health first (Herr Scheer was a foot doctor), but don't compromise on beauty.
Thinking that Scheer shoes will make you look like your spinster aunt? Not-to-worry. You'll dazzle any dance floor in red pumps made from a single piece of ostrich leather, or diamond-studded calf's-leather pumps styled to look like zebra. And your feet won't be aching the next day as you sip your café allongé at Cafe Drechsler.
So ladies, next time you feel the urge to cram your tootsies into a pair of come-fuck-me pumps, imagine the hideous bunion-studded, carbuncle-ridden feet that you'll no doubt own the second half of your life.