Sunday, November 30, 2008

We're Home....

We hope everyone had a great Thanksgiving Day and weekend! We went upstate Wednesday night right after church. We left today in plenty of time to get to the evening service but there must have been an accident on the Taconic from the rain and snow flurries and we sat there for over an hour! Then mixed with the heavy holiday traffic to begin with, we didn't get home until about 7 pm.



Being I still don't have a camera I have to rely on others to take pictures and being Franky only took a few, mostly of the Great Dane from up the hill, I only have these two to show, which is of the snow that just started to fall when we were getting ready to leave. The weather report said they should be getting about 3 inches.

I'm so glad to be home even if it's raining, it's better than snow!!!

Monday, November 24, 2008

My new best friend Caleb....

Caleb wanted to come over Sunday in between church services, so him and Andrew came for dinner. We had such a good time, I made spaghetti, meat, and salad. On the way home to our house Caleb told me that apple pie was his favorite, so I made one for him as soon as we got back so it would be ready to eat before we went back to church. When it was still in the oven I called him over to show him, I opened the oven and said " look Caleb, it's almost done" and in such an excited voice he says " yeah, Blueberry!!!" Oh well, he ate it anyway!!

He is just too cute for words!!





Looks like he's enjoying the Apple pie!!












Butchy got along with Caleb just fine!





This was as close as Caleb would get to Sergio, Caleb said "I think that big bird wants to eat me"!!


Caleb, you have an open invitation!!

Tuesday, November 18, 2008

On the lighter side ...


Thanks again Carmine...

EVER NOTICE ...

Only in America .....do drugstores make the sick walk all the way to the back of the store to get their prescriptions while healthy people can buy cigarettes at the front.
Only in America .....do people order double cheeseburgers, large fries, and a diet coke.
Only in America ......do banks leave both doors open and then chain the pens to the counters..
Only in America .....do we leave cars worth thousands of dollars in the driveway and put our useless junk in the garage.
Only in America......do we buy hot dogs in packages of ten and buns in packages of eight..
Only in America .....do they have drive-up ATM machines with Braille lettering.

EVER WONDER ...

Why the sun lightens our hair, but darkens
our skin?
Why women can't put on mascara with their mouth closed?
Why don't you ever see the headline 'Psychic Wins Lottery'?
Why is 'abbreviated' such a long word?
Why is it that doctors call what they do 'practice'?
Why is lemon juice made with artificial flavor, and dishwashing liquid made with real lemons?
Why is the man who invests all your money called a broker?
Why is the time of day with the slowest traffic called rush hour?
Why isn't there mouse-flavored cat food?
Why didn't Noah swat those two mosquitoes?
Why do they sterilize the needle for lethal injections?
You know that indestructible black box that is used on airplanes? Why don't they make the whole plane out of that stuff?!
Why don't sheep shrink when it rains?
Why are they called apartments when they are all stuck together?
If con is the opposite of pro, is Congress the opposite of progress?
If flying is so safe,why do they call the airport the terminal?

Monday, November 17, 2008

Here are some Thanksgiving pie recipes.....

Let me know if you try any!!

Countdown to Thanksgiving: Pie Recipes
No matter how much turkey you've eaten at dinner, there's always room for at least one piece of pie! And do we have the pie recipes for you! Traditional pumpkin, nutty pecan, crispy apple and more!
Pumpkin Pie RecipesPecan Pie RecipesApple Pie RecipesSweet Potato RecipesCranberry Pie Recipes

Pumpkin Pie Recipes

Sugarless Pumpkin Pie - This pie recipe couldn't be easier and ensures that everyone will be able to have a slice of pie at Thanksgiving – even the sugar-free eaters.
Famous Pumpkin Pie - This is a very moist and spicy pumpkin pie....Very delicious!
Quick and Easy Pumpkin Pie - If using fresh pumpkin, avoid using the leftovers from that jack-o-lantern and opt for a sugar pumpkin instead.
Pumpkin Mousse Pie - This pumpkin pie is creamy and spicy.
No-Bake Pumpkin Pie - If you love pumpkin pie but don't want all the fuss, try this recipe.
Pumpkin Pie with Dark Chocolate Frosting - This pumpkin pie recipe has the perfect amount of spice and is decorated with dark chocolate frosting!
Double Layer Pumpkin Pie - A layer of pumpkin and a layer of cream cheese make this pie to die for.
Honey Pumpkin Pie - A significant amount of honey adds a smooth sweetness to this festive pie.
Pecan-Glazed Pumpkin Pie - A nutty twist can do a lot to spice up traditional pumpkin pie.
Praline Pumpkin Pie - Two favorite pies become one in this streusel-topped delight.
Pumpkin Cream Cheese Pie - Baked in a pecan-shortbread crust, this blend of cream cheese, pumpkin and spices is easy to put together and even easier to eat!
Walnut Pumpkin Pie - A nutty variation on pumpkin pie with a delightful crunch.
Apple Butter Pumpkin Pie - Using apple butter adds a creamy sweetness to a regular pumpkin pie. Perfect for your Thanksgiving table!
No Crust Pumpkin Pie - Put away that rolling pin! Whip this lighter pumpkin pie together in a blender or food processor and pour it directly into the pie pan. It's easy and delicious.

Pecan Pie Recipes

Chocolate Pecan Pie - A spiced pecan crust is the perfect compliment to this chocolaty holiday pie.
Crunch Phyllo Pecan Pie - Phyllo which means "leaf" in Greek, where it was born, are tissue paper-thin like sheets of dough made from flour, water and a bit of oil.
Creamy Apple Pecan Pie - Half & Half and vanilla pudding add a creamy weight to this delicious pie. A nice change for your holiday table if you're tired of the same stuff.
Kahlua Pecan Pie - This is a simple, tasty variation of a Southern Pecan Pie. By replacing some of the corn syrup with Kahlua, or any coffee flavored liqueur, the pie is not as sweet and has a wonderful aroma. Because the alcohol burns off during baking, the entire family can enjoy this pie.
Southern Pecan Pie - This southern pecan pie recipe is perfect for a delicious dessert on Thanksgiving.
Supreme Pecan Pie - If you have never had Pecan Pie, you don’t know what you are missing, if you love it like I do then you will love this ultra simple recipe.
Caramel-Pecan Black Bottom Pie - Two new flavors enhance a classic.
Classic Pecan Pie - Using a store-bought crust make this recipe super-easy to throw together. Perfect for holiday time or anytime.
Pecan Chocolate Chip Pie - Melted together in a pastry crust, these two make a great pair.
Pecan Crunch Pie - Crunchy Ritz crackers and chopped pecans give this pie a fun texture.
Chocolate Caramel Pecan Pie - A sweet twist on a holiday favorite will leave you with nothing but the pie pan to clean.
Eggless Pecan Pie - This dense pie gets its fabulous flavor from dark molasses and rum.
Upside Down Pecan Apple Pie - The pretty design of pecans on the bottom of the pie makes this a lovely dessert and a different twist on an old classic.
Toasted Pecan Pie - Toasting the pecans before adding them to the filling deepens the flavors in the pie.
Mystery Pecan Pie - You don't have to be Sherlock Holmes to crack this code: cream cheese plus pecans plus sugar equals a sweet pie.
Pecan Fudge Pie - Using a pre-made pie shell cuts baking time in half, but doesn't sacrifice the taste.

Apple Pie Recipes

Crumble Top Apple Pie - Do not use a food processor in preparing this pie as it breaks up the oats.
Sugar-Free Apple Pie - This easy to make apple pie cuts out all the sugar but none of the flavor.
Deep Dish Apple Pie with Cheddar Crust - The pie has no bottom crust and is baked in an oval dish, so it resembles a cobbler.
Paper Bag Apple Pie - This pie cooks in a paper bag in the oven and comes out steaming and ready for a scoop of vanilla ice cream!
Dutch Apple Pie - Try this yummy version of the crumbly-topped classic.
Granny's Cinnamon Toast Topped Apple Pie - The best of both worlds... Apple Pie and Cinnamon Toast! Who needs anything else?
Maple Cream Apple Pie - I won a contest sponsored by our local newspaper with this apple pie recipe, and it was featured on a nearby restaurant's menu for a month. The combination of cream cheese, maple, apples, and walnuts makes for a tasty autumn treat!
Deep-Dish Caramel Apple Pie - Caramel-flavored apples combine deliciously with a crisp streusel topping. A bonus: There are plenty of juices from the pie to spoon over scoops of ice cream.
Perfect Apple Pie - This pie is great warm, with a scoop of ice cream or ice cold out of the fridge. I make these for bake sales and they have sold out for the last 3 years.
Rhubarb Apple Pie - The intensely delicious flavor always has your guests asking for more. Better make two pies while you are at it.
Apple Yogurt Pie - A creamier version with low-fat vanilla yogurt.
Apple with Raisins Pie - With raisins, cinnamon, and nutmeg, this is the perfect apple pie.
Zucchini Apple Pie - It tastes surprisingly like apple, most people don't realize it's not apple until you tell them. Make sure the zucchini used in recipe has skin soft enough that your thumbnail can pierce it.
Apple Bourbon Pie - The addition of bourbon makes this apple, raisin, and apricot pie a grown-up indulgence.
Crunchy Caramel Apple Pie - How can you improve on apple pie? With chopped pecans and plenty of caramel topping.

Sweet Potato Pie Recipes

Sweet Potato Pecan Pie - If you love pecans then you will love them in this recipe that is for sweet potato pie.
Sweetest Sweet Potato Pie - This is one of my favorite recipes--it puts a new twist on sweet potatoes and gives you a delicious, sweet, savory pie.
Sweet Potato Custard Pie - A yummy and sweet custard pie made with sweet potatoes.
Old Fashioned Sweet Potato Pie - I forgot where I got this recipe. But it is a melt-in-your-mouth pie!
Sweet Potato Pie with Gingersnap Streusel - Great for holidays and special events. I have made this for my family every year for Thanksgiving.
Southern Sweet Potato Pie - Join the ranks of many Southern families who make this nicely spiced sweet potato pie -- instead of pumpkin -- their holiday dessert.
My Oh My Sweet Potato Pie - This is so good. Everyone loves sweet potato pie for Thanksgiving or any other fall occasion!

Cranberry Pie Recipes

Cranberry Cream Pie - I got this from another group I thought it sounded wonderful! What a different pie for Thanksgiving than just the standard favorites!
Cranberry Nut Pie - A sweet and tangy pie with the right amount of crunch from chopped walnuts.
Cranberry Crumb Pie - Sweetened condensed milk gives this pie a sweet flavor without adding too much sugar. Tart cranberries offset the sweetness for a perfect pie.
Apple-Cranberry Crostada - While a good pie crust ought to be a part of every cook's repertoire, sometimes there just isn't the time. But why leave the baking to the grocery stores or bakery when puff pastry is a simple, high-quality stand-in for the original? In this Crostada, the sheet dough is baked free-form with ingredients piled on top. Couldn't be easier!
Cranberry-Walnut Pie - Incredibly easy to throw together. Put it in the oven when you sit down to dinner and it'll be ready when you're ready.
Cranberry Pecan Pie with Cornmeal Crust - Instead of pumpkin or mince pie, offer this colorful dessert at Thanksgiving or Christmas dinner, and top it off with a scoop of vanilla ice cream. The refreshingly tart filling, made by combining cranberries and fresh apples, dried apricots, pecans, and maple syrup, tastes like a crunchy cranberry relish. In fact, if the flour is omitted, the fruit and nut mixture can be serves as a condiment with poultry or ham.
Streusel Apple-Cranberry Pie - Juicy apple slices and crimson cranberries peek through the nutty streusel topping of this homey pie.
Frozen Cranberry Velvet Pie - This simple pie is refreshing on hot summer days, especially with the sweet and sour bite of the cranberries.
Individual Cranberry-Apple Deep Dish Pies - A sure way to delight family members or special guests

Other Thanksgiving Recipes:
Countdown to Thanksgiving: Sweet Potato RecipesCountdown to Thanksgiving: Stuffing Recipes...And Don't Forget the Pumpkin Pie!The Ultimate Thanksgiving Meal Planner

Thursday, November 13, 2008

The One dollar bill...

















My brother-in-law Carmine sent this to me. I thought I would share it.

ONE DOLLAR BILL


On the rear of the One Dollar bill, you will see two circles. Together, they comprise the Great Seal of the United States .

The First Continental Congress requested that Benjamin Franklin and a group of men come up with a Seal. It took them four years to accomplish this task and another two years to get it approved. If you look at the left-hand circle, you will see a Pyramid.

Notice the face is lighted, and the western side is dark. This country was just beginning. We had not begun to explore the west or decided what we could do for Western Civilization.

The Pyramid is uncapped, again signifying that we were not even close to being finished. Inside the capstone you have the all-seeing eye, an ancient symbol for divinity. It was Franklin 's belief that one man couldn't do it alone, but a group of men, with the help of God, could do anything.

'IN GOD WE TRUST' is on this currency. The Latin above the pyramid, ANNUIT COEPTIS, means, 'God has favored our undertaking.' The Latin below the pyramid, NOVUS ORDO SECLORUM, means, 'a new order has begun.' At the base of the pyramid is the Roman Numeral for 1776. (MDCCLXXVI)

If you look at the right-hand circle, and check it carefully, you will learn that it is on every National Cemetery in the United States . It is also on the Parade of Flags Walkway at the Bushnell, Florida National Cemetery , and is the centerpiece of most hero's monuments. Slightly modified, it is the seal of the President of the United States , and it is always visible whenever he speaks, yet very few people know what the symbols mean.

The Bald Eagle was selected as a symbol for victory for two reasons:

First, he is not afraid of a storm; he is strong, and he is smart enough to soar above it. Secondly, he wears no material crown. We had just broken from the King of England . Also, notice the shield is unsupported. This country can now stand on its own. At the top of that shield you have a white bar signifying congress, a unifying factor. We were coming together as one nation. In the Eagle's beak you will read, ' E PLURIBUS UNUM' meaning,'one from many.'

Above the Eagle, you have thirteen stars, representing the thirteen original colonies, and any clouds of misunderstanding rolling away. Again, we were coming together as one. Notice what the Eagle holds in his talons. He holds an olive branch and arrows. This country wants peace, but we will never be afraid to fight to preserve peace. The Eagle always wants to face the olive branch, but in time of war, his gaze turns toward the arrows.

They say that the number 13 is an unlucky number. This is almost a worldwide belief. You will usually never see a room numbered 13, or any hotels or motels with a 13th floor. But think about this:

13 original colonies,

13 signers of the Declaration of Independence,

13 stripes on our flag,

13 steps on the Pyramid,

13 letters in, 'Annuit Coeptis,'

13 letters in 'E PluribusUnum,'

13 stars above the Eagle,

13 bars on that shield,

13 leaves on the olive branch,

13 fruits, and if you look closely,

13 arrows.

And finally, if you notice the arrangement of the 13 stars in the right-hand circle you will see that they are arranged as a Star of David.

This was ordered by George Washington who, when he asked Hayim Solomon, a wealthy Philadelphia Jew, what he would like as a personal reward for his services to the Continental Army, Solomon said he wanted nothing for himself but that he would like something for his people. The Star of David was the result. Few people know that it was Solomon who saved the Army through his financial contributions but died a pauper.

I always ask people, 'Why don't you know this?' Your children don't know this, and their history teachers don't know this. Too many veterans have given up too much to ever let the meaning fade. Many veterans remember coming home to an America that didn't care. Too many veterans never came home at all.

Share this page with everyone, so they can learn what is on the back of the UNITED STATES ONE DOLLAR BILL, and what it stands for!

Monday, November 10, 2008

Check this out...

I found a website called ebates today, you get cash back on your online purchases, and there is a link on the site to see if the stores have coupons to use before you order. You get $5.00 just for signing up, which is free. You can also designate a charity or friend to get your cash back instead of it going to you. ( I can think of a church that can use the money ) A lot of the stores are giving double % back for the holidays. They even give a % back on sites like Hotwire and Priceline!
Follow the link and Check it out!!
P.S. I just found out if you sign up using this link, I get $5.00 too, You guys can do the same with your own link after you sign up!!

Friday, November 7, 2008

Today is my Birthday!!!

Let me just say, this is a special last year of a decade, because next year, I'll be an "antique"!!!!
14 of us are going to Lancaster, PA today, and staying overnight until Saturday sometime. I know we'll have a great time, and it'll be a great memory. I'll post pictures tomorrow.

Monday, November 3, 2008

Is it ME ????

I thought it was a little quiet...


Check out Butchy, he joins right in !!
(He loves Barry)





The apple doesn't fall far from the tree!!

A typical Sunday dinner








P.S. I found the kids hiding spot for their candy wrappers!!