It was New Year’s Day, January 1, 1998. A window washer for many years at the Renaissance Building in Detroit, whose name is not available to this writer, woke up with the uncontrollable urge to go to Proud Lake. He called his son and insisted he go with him. The young man had planned to “hang out” with a friend, watch some football on TV, whatever, but they decided to humor his dad. This request was so unexpected and out of the norm, both young men were puzzled, but had no real problem going along.
When they went to get into “Renaissance Man’s” vehicle, he realized he had put one of his ropes in the car after work the previous day. He moved it off the seat, putting it in the back and mentally scratching his head. He muttered, “Why did I do that?” He said to his son and his friend, “I have never before put any of my work tools or equipment in this vehicle. I always lock them in the tool room at work. Why did I do that?”
It seemed as good an explanation as any was just that he was physically and mentally tired. He needed a break. This little day trip to the lake would be a nice change of pace.
As the three men got out of the vehicle and started to walk toward the lake they heard frantic screams. A woman’s voice was yelling “Help, somebody, please help. Please God, help us!" and "Help!”
They realized someone had fallen into the frozen lake. They saw the woman as she kicked a rail off the new fence, screaming all the time that someone was in the lake. The young friend pulled out his phone and called 911. “Renaissance Man” grabbed the rope, and they all ran to the lake. Two other men had just seemed to appear from nowhere and grabbed the fence rail, and the two of them had run the rail down to the bank and shoved it out for the stranded men to grab onto. By this time a second person had fallen in and a third was lying on the ice trying to help the two victims stay afloat in the swift moving water under the ice. With the arrival of the rope, and the extra help, the three victims were saved. About the time they were pulling them out, EMS arrived and took over. That is when he realized why he had put the rope in his vehicle after work the day before. Why he woke up with the irresistible urge to go to the lake. There was no doubt that at that point in time, they were exactly where they needed to be; with the only cell phone to call for help, and the only rope, and the manpower necessary to save these three lives. After one man was taken in for medical attention, and the other two were wrapped in dry blankets, sitting around the fire, someone said “where are the other two men? The two who brought the fence rail down and helped until the rope got here?” These two did not speak to anyone; they just quietly did what was necessary. One of the group said he had seen them, still walking together, side by side, heading across the lake toward the other side.
A visit to the office of the park rangers revealed that the only two cabins rented that weekend were the ones occupied by the party who had been involved in the accident. There was absolutely no one else in the park. “Renaissance Man” and his son and young friend saw no one else when they were coming in. The ice was still cracking around the broken area when the teenaged ice skaters of the group were hastily summoned to shore. Yet these two men were last seen walking, side by side, across the lake toward the other side.
Please Note: This is a true story. If you recognize yourself or anyone in this recounting, please get in touch with the author. She is very anxious to get the perspective of everyone with knowledge. She would very much like to be able to express thanks to “Renaissance Man” and his companions. Also, if you have any light to shed on the two men who appeared out of nowhere and helped with the rail, we would love to hear from you. These men were truly angels, whether or not they were in the physical body at the time.
This is the way the story was told to me. My daughter was the young woman, screaming for help, loudly crying out to God. She kicked the rail off the fence. Before she was put to the test of trying to pick up the heavy rail, help arrived in the persons of the two men who came out of nowhere, and left as suddenly. She did not see either face. When the young lady who had been pulled from the lake described the two men, they sounded exactly like the father in law and grandfather of the one who had been loudly calling out to God for help.
Both of these men had died in the seventies.
Thursday, August 4, 2011
Friday, July 29, 2011
Rangers Lead the Way
I have just been blessed by attending the opening ceremonies of the 75 Ranger Association's Ranger Rendezvous and Reunion. I am in awe. Any of you with the option and opportunity to visit Ft. Benning, do so. I was able to go to the newly opened Museum, as well as the Ranger Walk and Memorial. I had the honor of meeting our newest Medal of Honor recipient, SFC Leroy Petry, as well as other brave souls. Our country owes a debt of gratitude, as well as our very security to these men who put their lives on the line on a daily basis to protect our freedoms.
It doesn't take long in the presence of these men to feel their deep sense of dedication to this country. When we look at these young men, especially the ones who have already been severely injured, our heart breaks. Then we see the others who have yet to make a trip over to harm's way, and realize that they know they are going into dangerous territory. The young wives who are kissing their husband goodbye for the length of the deployment, are serving the country too. They are paying a price.
We owe them so much. We pray for their safety and well being, and thank God for their dedication.
I was humbled and honored to be in the presence of men who served with my husband, and those who are carrying on the tradition. I was so proud to be introduced as the wife of the first HQ Co 1st Sgt. when 2nd Bn, 75 Ranger Regiment was formed. To see his brick on the walk, and then, to read his obit/bio in the Patrolling Magazine, written by someone who served with him in VietNam with the ARVN Rangers, BDQ. The young man who is now wearing the Ranger Tab which Vic originally wore, is young enough to be his grandson. In the interim it was held by another awesome ranger who could have been his son. Three generations of the ongoing fight for freedom. I am so honored to be able to just touch these guys.
Rangers, Lead the Way.
It doesn't take long in the presence of these men to feel their deep sense of dedication to this country. When we look at these young men, especially the ones who have already been severely injured, our heart breaks. Then we see the others who have yet to make a trip over to harm's way, and realize that they know they are going into dangerous territory. The young wives who are kissing their husband goodbye for the length of the deployment, are serving the country too. They are paying a price.
We owe them so much. We pray for their safety and well being, and thank God for their dedication.
I was humbled and honored to be in the presence of men who served with my husband, and those who are carrying on the tradition. I was so proud to be introduced as the wife of the first HQ Co 1st Sgt. when 2nd Bn, 75 Ranger Regiment was formed. To see his brick on the walk, and then, to read his obit/bio in the Patrolling Magazine, written by someone who served with him in VietNam with the ARVN Rangers, BDQ. The young man who is now wearing the Ranger Tab which Vic originally wore, is young enough to be his grandson. In the interim it was held by another awesome ranger who could have been his son. Three generations of the ongoing fight for freedom. I am so honored to be able to just touch these guys.
Rangers, Lead the Way.
Sunday, July 10, 2011
More Ways to Cut the Power Bill
While we are waiting to get the necessary items to get Off The Grid, there are several ways we can lower our utility bill. Just by managing what is already in place, we can reduce consumption considerably by applying a few good old fashioned frugality practices.
Listen to your mother! Didn't she constantly say "turn off the light when you leave the room." That is good advice. Also, turn off the tv and whatever else is on. The dog will not mind. He really isn't watching.
Unplugging things really does make sense. Just because the toaster and the coffee maker are not on, doesn't mean they aren't using power. They are still drawing energy. So unplug them. It's not that big a deal to just plug it up when you are using it and unplug it when you're not.
When you leave the house, turn the thermostat up (in summer) to just ten degrees below the anticipated high for the day. Same in summer, turn it down to ten degrees cooler than you like it. When you come in it will feel fine until it has time to recover after you reset it. A programmable thermostat will do that for you, but right now we are not spending money, just saving it.
Don't run the dishwasher till it's full. Then, don't leave the drying feature on. Let them air dry in the machine. If you are cooking, do more than one meal at the time, and more than one thing in the oven at once. You will be glad tomorrow to be able to just warm something in the microwave. Using the oven not only uses power for cooking, it heats the house and takes more to cool it.
Hang your clothes out to dry. Put them in the dryer for just the last 15 minutes.
These few painless tips will help save on your bill. Then take time to investigate some alternate power sources. Several of these are listed in another post.
Listen to your mother! Didn't she constantly say "turn off the light when you leave the room." That is good advice. Also, turn off the tv and whatever else is on. The dog will not mind. He really isn't watching.
Unplugging things really does make sense. Just because the toaster and the coffee maker are not on, doesn't mean they aren't using power. They are still drawing energy. So unplug them. It's not that big a deal to just plug it up when you are using it and unplug it when you're not.
When you leave the house, turn the thermostat up (in summer) to just ten degrees below the anticipated high for the day. Same in summer, turn it down to ten degrees cooler than you like it. When you come in it will feel fine until it has time to recover after you reset it. A programmable thermostat will do that for you, but right now we are not spending money, just saving it.
Don't run the dishwasher till it's full. Then, don't leave the drying feature on. Let them air dry in the machine. If you are cooking, do more than one meal at the time, and more than one thing in the oven at once. You will be glad tomorrow to be able to just warm something in the microwave. Using the oven not only uses power for cooking, it heats the house and takes more to cool it.
Hang your clothes out to dry. Put them in the dryer for just the last 15 minutes.
These few painless tips will help save on your bill. Then take time to investigate some alternate power sources. Several of these are listed in another post.
Alternative Energy Sources for Home
Alternative energy sources for home are getting more and more attractive, as we go into shock every time we open a power bill. We want to be comfortable, and have the power we need for our time and energy saving appliances. We also need to be able to pay for the convenience.
Solar power is one of the first alternates we think of, and the value is well established. However, the initial cost is prohibitive to most of us. Once established and paid for, a solar water heater and attic fan can reduce the power bill by as much as 40%. The initial cost can take as much as fifteen years to recoup. We need to address alternative energy sources for our homes that we can either build ourselves, or have done for less cost.
The highest use of electrical energy in most homes is to heat water, followed closely by running the air conditioner. There are several alternatives now on the market for heating water and cooling air. Researching and comparing them is time consuming, but definitely worth pursuing.
Running the dishwasher costs less if you turn off the drying feature. You are back, however, to heating the water.
Drying clothes is another high usage item. A simple way to cut this cost is to hang clothes outside to dry. If you really like the soft, fragrant effect from your dryer and the softener sheets, bring the clothes in when they are just still damp and finish them in the dryer.
Solar lighting is relatively inexpensive, especially for the outdoor areas. For lighting pathways, decks and flags, the cost is very reasonable for purchase, and they last a long time. There is a wide variety of lights available, and the cost depends on the brightness you need.
There are several items currently on the market to address these issues. They all have pros and cons, both in the operational efficiency, and the cost to purchase. Some are easy to make for the do- it- your-selfer. Caution has to be taken for which items need a professional electrician. If you are planning to tie it into the grid, you will need to make sure you have the proper inverter. Solar power is DC (direct current) and household appliances are AC (alternating current). But many of the best items to make for your self do not require hooking in to the grid at all.
Solar power is one of the first alternates we think of, and the value is well established. However, the initial cost is prohibitive to most of us. Once established and paid for, a solar water heater and attic fan can reduce the power bill by as much as 40%. The initial cost can take as much as fifteen years to recoup. We need to address alternative energy sources for our homes that we can either build ourselves, or have done for less cost.
The highest use of electrical energy in most homes is to heat water, followed closely by running the air conditioner. There are several alternatives now on the market for heating water and cooling air. Researching and comparing them is time consuming, but definitely worth pursuing.
Running the dishwasher costs less if you turn off the drying feature. You are back, however, to heating the water.
Drying clothes is another high usage item. A simple way to cut this cost is to hang clothes outside to dry. If you really like the soft, fragrant effect from your dryer and the softener sheets, bring the clothes in when they are just still damp and finish them in the dryer.
Solar lighting is relatively inexpensive, especially for the outdoor areas. For lighting pathways, decks and flags, the cost is very reasonable for purchase, and they last a long time. There is a wide variety of lights available, and the cost depends on the brightness you need.
There are several items currently on the market to address these issues. They all have pros and cons, both in the operational efficiency, and the cost to purchase. Some are easy to make for the do- it- your-selfer. Caution has to be taken for which items need a professional electrician. If you are planning to tie it into the grid, you will need to make sure you have the proper inverter. Solar power is DC (direct current) and household appliances are AC (alternating current). But many of the best items to make for your self do not require hooking in to the grid at all.
Sunday, July 3, 2011
God’s Timing
Everyone who thinks about it for five seconds can tell you of something in his life that defies explanation. Some call it coincidence. The Devil would have us call it Luck, so that Lucifer can take the credit. Divine timing is perhaps the more appropriate way to think of it. There are those spellbinding, and breathtaking times when no words are available. What do you have in your life that defies expression?
In spring of 2005, a sudden knowledge, an epiphany if you would, just took over our lives and changed them completely. It was just suddenly obvious that it was time for us to sell our old two story house on the steep hill on Folly Beach. There was small house, built on a slab, in a settled neighborhood on the right traffic path for church, work, and recreation, just calling our names. From the lightning bolt of recognition to the accomplished move was less than two months. Fourteen months later, Vic was in the hospital, undergoing major surgery. The surgery was a great success, but the complications kept him on the ventilator for seventeen days. He was in the hospital for three months. As I went about getting the new little house made accessible for his return, the look in the eyes of all the doctors, family members, and yes even the clergy, was that I should really accept the fact that he probably was not coming home. The unspoken thought was that I was bringing him to die. I was so sure I was bringing him to LIVE, and spending time, effort and money to make it easier for him. When he was able to express his thoughts, he was also trying to get me to face the fact that he was not going to be with me long. You see, he had already made his peace with God and the idea of going home to heaven. He was trying to get me prepared for that day. We got the house made accessible, and laid in all the necessary items for his rehabilitation. He got better. We enjoyed another almost four years before he went home to God, peacefully on a Sunday afternoon. That is another chapter. The timing of the move off the beach, and the timing of the hospitalization? The difference in the top of the market for real estate and the bottom of the sales recession. Had we not had the epiphany, had we not sold when we did, so many things could not have happened. The accessibility of a place for him to recuperate and rehab, the ease of access for me to the hospital every day for three months without facing the Folly Road traffic, and even the funds to manage with me having to give up my job-- all of this was God’s perfect timing.
There are no coincidences. We do not have perfect vision. Only by leaning on the Lord, and giving Him the Honor and the Praise, and trusting Him to handle things, even the minor details of our lives, can we truly experience His wonderful Grace.
Thanks be to God.
Maggie Attaya
In spring of 2005, a sudden knowledge, an epiphany if you would, just took over our lives and changed them completely. It was just suddenly obvious that it was time for us to sell our old two story house on the steep hill on Folly Beach. There was small house, built on a slab, in a settled neighborhood on the right traffic path for church, work, and recreation, just calling our names. From the lightning bolt of recognition to the accomplished move was less than two months. Fourteen months later, Vic was in the hospital, undergoing major surgery. The surgery was a great success, but the complications kept him on the ventilator for seventeen days. He was in the hospital for three months. As I went about getting the new little house made accessible for his return, the look in the eyes of all the doctors, family members, and yes even the clergy, was that I should really accept the fact that he probably was not coming home. The unspoken thought was that I was bringing him to die. I was so sure I was bringing him to LIVE, and spending time, effort and money to make it easier for him. When he was able to express his thoughts, he was also trying to get me to face the fact that he was not going to be with me long. You see, he had already made his peace with God and the idea of going home to heaven. He was trying to get me prepared for that day. We got the house made accessible, and laid in all the necessary items for his rehabilitation. He got better. We enjoyed another almost four years before he went home to God, peacefully on a Sunday afternoon. That is another chapter. The timing of the move off the beach, and the timing of the hospitalization? The difference in the top of the market for real estate and the bottom of the sales recession. Had we not had the epiphany, had we not sold when we did, so many things could not have happened. The accessibility of a place for him to recuperate and rehab, the ease of access for me to the hospital every day for three months without facing the Folly Road traffic, and even the funds to manage with me having to give up my job-- all of this was God’s perfect timing.
There are no coincidences. We do not have perfect vision. Only by leaning on the Lord, and giving Him the Honor and the Praise, and trusting Him to handle things, even the minor details of our lives, can we truly experience His wonderful Grace.
Thanks be to God.
Maggie Attaya
Saturday, July 2, 2011
I Thought I Was Pretty Savvy
I have some of the most fantastic software known to man. Or woman. Just realized nothing is ever as easy as it looks. There is hope, though. One of my "mentors" can, with my permission, take over my mouse and put the little pieces of the puzzle where they need to be. With me watching. How cool is that? To fix the newest challenge, I need for them to connect with me, with Skype, so we can work it out together. This is a learning process. The added benefit is that I have finally gotten off my procrastination fence, and ordered a webcam with mic, and a headset. Amazingly inexpensive at Amazon.com. So watch out guys, Tuesday I will be set up, God Willing! Guess I'll have to start combing my hair before I sit down. This work at home thing gets more and more complicated.
Wednesday, June 29, 2011
Blessings Abound
For the sports fans in the audience, let me say Congratulations to the University of South Carolina Gamecocks Baseball Team. National Champions, two years in a row!
Rain is a tremendous blessing since we have been on the verge of drought, and have gotten a little rain several days now. My beautiful old dog, Gator just crawled under my feet at this tiny computer desk. He is a blessing also, but right now his message is "protect me from the thunderstorm". So I will try to be a blessing to him and give him comfort.
Here comes the rain. Thanks be to God.
Rain is a tremendous blessing since we have been on the verge of drought, and have gotten a little rain several days now. My beautiful old dog, Gator just crawled under my feet at this tiny computer desk. He is a blessing also, but right now his message is "protect me from the thunderstorm". So I will try to be a blessing to him and give him comfort.
Here comes the rain. Thanks be to God.
Tuesday, June 28, 2011
Summer is Really Here
The temperatures in the eighties when you wake up in the morning, pretty good clue. Thunderstorm almost every afternoon whether it brings much rain or not. Grass finally overtaking the weeds in the yard. All these are signs of summer, but the very best signs are fresh tomatoes... the real thing on your own bush, or at the roadside stands. Nothing is as good as a BLT with REAL tomatoes. Then a tie for the best second place treat-- SC Peaches or local watermelon.
Life is good! If you are fortunate enough to have a hammock, or just a swing on a back porch, grab a good book and a glass of iced tea, and savor the moments. Best Seller this week on Amazon's list is The Days of Summer. Appropriate title, gotta check that one out. Have fun everybody.
Life is good! If you are fortunate enough to have a hammock, or just a swing on a back porch, grab a good book and a glass of iced tea, and savor the moments. Best Seller this week on Amazon's list is The Days of Summer. Appropriate title, gotta check that one out. Have fun everybody.
Saturday, June 25, 2011
The YaDa YaDa Prayer Club
A couple of years ago my sister lent me a book, The YaDa YaDa Prayer Group, by Neta Jackson. It really is the sort of book that you don't want to put down when you get started. I was delighted to find there are several more. Jean brought me five and I am now on the second. When they are finished I will be forced to buy the sixth and seventh, even though I understand the last two might only be available for Kindle. I may have to start reading on the little machine! The characters in these books are absolutely spellbinding. The book is written from the perspective of a third grade teacher, who is invited to attend a women's conference by her principal, who happens to be the worship leader in her church. They are assigned to a prayer group of thirteen, one is a 22 year old ex-con, with two teenager brothers to support, a drug addict (five years saved and five years sober) a white real estate agent, a black hair dresser, a Japanese college student, her professor's wife, a housekeeper with three children and no husband-- as diverse a group as you can imagine. When one of the group is called to the hospital because her teenage son has been shot in a gang fight, they not only pray for him but build a bond that keeps them together. The entire series is available at Amazon.com, either new or used. This is a very light read, full of humor and pathos. You will find yourself relating to at least one of these ladies, and/or the husband or child of one of them. I heartily recommend the YaDa YaDa Prayer group.
Tuesday, June 21, 2011
Monday, June 20, 2011
Have You Read...
A Lone Palm Stands is the first book by H. A. Olsen, and it was followed up last year by a sequel, Saving Sara. I am impatiently waiting the third of the series. Andy promises it won't be long. Both of these books are
set on Folly Beach, and as everybody knows, that is the Edge of America. As close to heaven as you get. These books follow the life of a young girl and her quest for recognition and fame with her music, from rural South Carolina to glitzy Hollywood. It features a hurricane, a near death experience, and a ghost. That's just the first one. Saving Sara picks up a few years later, features the same beach house, and the same ghost, and is a real page turning mystery. This is good summer reading. I can hardly wait for the new one.
set on Folly Beach, and as everybody knows, that is the Edge of America. As close to heaven as you get. These books follow the life of a young girl and her quest for recognition and fame with her music, from rural South Carolina to glitzy Hollywood. It features a hurricane, a near death experience, and a ghost. That's just the first one. Saving Sara picks up a few years later, features the same beach house, and the same ghost, and is a real page turning mystery. This is good summer reading. I can hardly wait for the new one.
Saturday, June 18, 2011
Secret Graces by Kathryn Magendie
I just read a delightful book by a new (to me) author. This is the second in a three book series, and now I have to read the first one, Tender Graces. I got this one from Amazon after chatting on Facebook with the author. She was posting with my favorite local author, Andy Olsen and I of course had to crash the conversation. I am so glad I did.
The protagonist of the Graces books is Virginia Kate, a young woman living in Louisiana, pining for her home in the West Virginia mountains. Magendie has created a family with unique problems, and deep ties. She draws you in and makes you feel like you know and understand the culture even if you have never been there. The universal theme of family. All the intricacies and longings, love and hate relationships and deep hurts of abandonment, with the saving grace of loving people coming to the rescue...this makes an unforgettable read.
I hope I can find Tender Graces in a paper version. I hate to think I will be forced to buy a Kindle!
The protagonist of the Graces books is Virginia Kate, a young woman living in Louisiana, pining for her home in the West Virginia mountains. Magendie has created a family with unique problems, and deep ties. She draws you in and makes you feel like you know and understand the culture even if you have never been there. The universal theme of family. All the intricacies and longings, love and hate relationships and deep hurts of abandonment, with the saving grace of loving people coming to the rescue...this makes an unforgettable read.
I hope I can find Tender Graces in a paper version. I hate to think I will be forced to buy a Kindle!
Saving Money on Utilities
I was delighted this month to see a nice negative balance on my electric bill. I must explain that I am on the budget plan. You know, they figure your prior usage and estimate what it will be and average it out. Six months ago I got a nice reduction in my monthly bill, with the message they would reevaluate in six months. Obviously, they did not reduce it enough because I got a refund, and now they will be reducing my monthly again. Let me tell you how I did it.
I have a solar water heater, and a solar attic fan. I also use ceiling fans in every room, and keep my thermostat set on 76. I do not use the dry feature on the dish washer. I also have a clothes drying line outside, which I too often ignore and run the clothes dryer, but if I remembered and took the time to use it, how good would it be?
Now, I must confess that two years ago, I spent a lot of money on this system. My husband really got upset when the hot water ran out in the middle of his shower, and we wasted a lot of water letting it run till it warmed up. I have not regretted the expenditure, because we immediately got the benefit of the convenience and comfort of the hot water. The attic fan makes a lot of difference in the efficiency of the air conditioner also.
I am now considering adding a lot of other things to my solar system, but this time I will build my own panels. If you ride by and wonder what I'm doing on my deck, check it out! While I'm learning I might be able to teach you something! Or just order the book and do one yourself.
I have a solar water heater, and a solar attic fan. I also use ceiling fans in every room, and keep my thermostat set on 76. I do not use the dry feature on the dish washer. I also have a clothes drying line outside, which I too often ignore and run the clothes dryer, but if I remembered and took the time to use it, how good would it be?
Now, I must confess that two years ago, I spent a lot of money on this system. My husband really got upset when the hot water ran out in the middle of his shower, and we wasted a lot of water letting it run till it warmed up. I have not regretted the expenditure, because we immediately got the benefit of the convenience and comfort of the hot water. The attic fan makes a lot of difference in the efficiency of the air conditioner also.
I am now considering adding a lot of other things to my solar system, but this time I will build my own panels. If you ride by and wonder what I'm doing on my deck, check it out! While I'm learning I might be able to teach you something! Or just order the book and do one yourself.
Friday, June 17, 2011
B est Chocolate Chip Cookie Recipe
The best Chocolate Chip Cookies in the world
Preheat the oven to 350.
In a large bowl, mix
2 sticks margarine (this is one cup)
1 cup sugar
1 cup brown sugar
Cream the margarine and sugar together, then add
1 tsp vanilla
2 eggs, added one at a time.
Mix well, then
In a small bowl mix
2 cups flour
1 tsp Baking powder
1 tsp Baking Soda
½ tsp salt
3 cups Quaker Oats, processed to powder in your blender
Mix all this well, and then stir in, a little at then time into the butter, sugar mixture in the large bowl.
Now break up 3 Hershey Bars and add with
2 cups walnuts
1 bag chocolate chips.
Stir this all together well, and drop by tablespoonsful onto an ungreased cookie sheet.
Bake for 8 to 10 minutes at 350. They will still be “sorta whitish” and will be chewy and
Awesome. If you like them crispy, bake a little while longer.
NOTE: I like to use real butter, but either way they are absolutely fantastic.
This is from the Bradham Family Cookbook, “Recipes and Remembrances”, submitted by Kim Crianza.
Preheat the oven to 350.
In a large bowl, mix
2 sticks margarine (this is one cup)
1 cup sugar
1 cup brown sugar
Cream the margarine and sugar together, then add
1 tsp vanilla
2 eggs, added one at a time.
Mix well, then
In a small bowl mix
2 cups flour
1 tsp Baking powder
1 tsp Baking Soda
½ tsp salt
3 cups Quaker Oats, processed to powder in your blender
Mix all this well, and then stir in, a little at then time into the butter, sugar mixture in the large bowl.
Now break up 3 Hershey Bars and add with
2 cups walnuts
1 bag chocolate chips.
Stir this all together well, and drop by tablespoonsful onto an ungreased cookie sheet.
Bake for 8 to 10 minutes at 350. They will still be “sorta whitish” and will be chewy and
Awesome. If you like them crispy, bake a little while longer.
NOTE: I like to use real butter, but either way they are absolutely fantastic.
This is from the Bradham Family Cookbook, “Recipes and Remembrances”, submitted by Kim Crianza.
Happy Stuff
White Pomegranate
This blogsite will carry ONLY good news. Things to make us happy.
Funny Stuff. Happy Memories. Good Recipes. Comfort Food. Today’s Bible Verse.
I will start with the recipe for the BEST Chocolate Chip Cookies in the entire world.
Pictures of my good dog.
Birthday wishes to whoever is having a birthday.
Reviews of the newest books I’ve read.
The funniest news story I can find for the day.
Links to the best websites I know.
You are all invited to send your best entries, and I will screen them first and then give you credit for the content, or not, if you ask for anonymity,
Welcome to White-Pomegranate
This blogsite will carry ONLY good news. Things to make us happy.
Funny Stuff. Happy Memories. Good Recipes. Comfort Food. Today’s Bible Verse.
I will start with the recipe for the BEST Chocolate Chip Cookies in the entire world.
Pictures of my good dog.
Birthday wishes to whoever is having a birthday.
Reviews of the newest books I’ve read.
The funniest news story I can find for the day.
Links to the best websites I know.
You are all invited to send your best entries, and I will screen them first and then give you credit for the content, or not, if you ask for anonymity,
Welcome to White-Pomegranate
Saturday, June 4, 2011
www.sunshine-4u.com
Dr. Miller says "forget about Garbage Dog Food... Here's healthy recipes proven to improve health and behavior LIKE MAGIC"
My Dog Gator
Gator was rescued as a puppy, approximately a year old. He was found in the middle of the swamp, after a major storm, literally swimming with alligators. It was a miracle that he lived through that, and was right where he needed to be to adopt us. Gator choose us, with his beautiful Golden Smile. He is a Lab/husky mix. The sweetest dog in the world, but terrified of storms. He was Vic's 72 pound lap dog. Now he is my constant companion. I have made treats for him, and that was so much fun I have now have found a dog food recipe book and plan to do some cooking for him. I want him to live a long time. I need him. He will be eight years old in September.
Love Letters from God
For four years, we had lived with the knowledge that my husband's COPD was terminal and progressive. Every day was a good day. He went Home during Lent. On Easter, my son, and one grand daughter came to spend the weekend with me. Before daylight, Granddaughter Rachael got up and went to run. She came in right after sunrise and we went to church. After lunch, Rachael went home and when I thought it was about time for her get there, I signed on to Facebook, knowing she would text me or post a note that she was there. I opened a picture she had posted and felt so blessed. I asked her about the picture and her response was, "Oh yeah, when I got to the car the sun was just coming up so I snapped a quick shot over the marsh." I asked if she had really looked at it. She had not. When she saw what was there, we both agreed it was definitely a message from her Grandpa. She had run his usual route on the beach. She did not see the pelicans, but they were there, in a perfect heart shape formation. God is Great. How great His Love for us, to send us such messages of reassurance. We felt so close to Vic and every time I look at the picture I thank God. For the life and love Vic and I shared for almost thirty years, and for the sure and certain hope of the Resurrection. He is Risen. Alleluia.
White Pomegranate
As children we could not wait for the pomegranates to be ready on our grandmother's tree. It was a magical thing, to open the hard red shell and find all the tiny juicy jewels inside.
When my sister called me to say she had found pomegranate trees, I was delighted that she would get one for me. This was in the fall of 2008. All the information told us we would not have blooms for probably three years, and fruit the year after the first blooms appeared. We agreed it would be worth the wait.
At this time in my life, I was dealing with the fact that my husband was terminally ill. We were thankful for every day God gave us. To our great surprise, the spring of 2009 brought us two blooms on our tree. My husband was delighted to see them. In February 2010, my sweet Vic went home to be with the Lord. In April, not only was the pomegranate tree in full bloom, but it set fruit. I watched them bloom and the fruit develop, but was puzzled when they did not turn red. I found out that my blessed tree was a different variety from my grandmother's. This is a white pomegranate. I harvested seven in the first year of fruit. The two trees my sister kept are on target to be "normal" or "typical" or whatever term you want to give to the usual progress. So far she has not seen a bloom. Her plants are about three feet tall. Mine is at least 12 feet tall, and if all the fruit on it stays to ripen this year, it will be more than a dozen. The fruit is very sweet and juicy. Pomegranates are one of the best sources of antioxidants, with the cancer fighting, heart healthy benefits of all the dark skinned fruits. I call this my Blessed Tree.
When my sister called me to say she had found pomegranate trees, I was delighted that she would get one for me. This was in the fall of 2008. All the information told us we would not have blooms for probably three years, and fruit the year after the first blooms appeared. We agreed it would be worth the wait.
At this time in my life, I was dealing with the fact that my husband was terminally ill. We were thankful for every day God gave us. To our great surprise, the spring of 2009 brought us two blooms on our tree. My husband was delighted to see them. In February 2010, my sweet Vic went home to be with the Lord. In April, not only was the pomegranate tree in full bloom, but it set fruit. I watched them bloom and the fruit develop, but was puzzled when they did not turn red. I found out that my blessed tree was a different variety from my grandmother's. This is a white pomegranate. I harvested seven in the first year of fruit. The two trees my sister kept are on target to be "normal" or "typical" or whatever term you want to give to the usual progress. So far she has not seen a bloom. Her plants are about three feet tall. Mine is at least 12 feet tall, and if all the fruit on it stays to ripen this year, it will be more than a dozen. The fruit is very sweet and juicy. Pomegranates are one of the best sources of antioxidants, with the cancer fighting, heart healthy benefits of all the dark skinned fruits. I call this my Blessed Tree.
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