Cannoli's LIfe

old family pictures

2011-08-05T05:19:00.002-05:00

A pic of my Grandma Georgia Mae
Another pic of my Grandma Georgia Mae
My grandpa Blake Farley

Love old family pictures

CANNOLI

Goodness gradicous I'm back

2011-07-31T15:52:00.002-05:00

My life has been out of control since the last time I blogged....I found facebook as a means to vent and talk and try to make sense of my life...but I miss blogging...I miss the writing even if it is for myself than anything else...so I'm back...I hope to stay...I have alot of catching up to do but it will come in time...for today it's about figuring out where to go with my blog...I have missed you my friend

CANNOLI

RECIPE TUESDAY IS BACK!!!

2009-01-06T13:42:00.001-06:00

Well it is Tuesday and I am trying to get back on track with blogging and such, so the recipes have returned, and in honor of weigh*t watcher*s I have copied two recipes to get you started and me back on track....

Chicken, Cheese and Biscuits

Recipe By : Weight Watchers

7 Points Per Serving

1 Teaspoon Margarine

2 Tablespoons Flour

1/2 teaspoon Dry Mustard

1 1/2 cups skim milk

1 teaspoon chicken bouillon

4 ounces cheddar cheese

8 ounces chicken breast -- baked and diced

1 cup carrots, canned

1 cup green beans, canned french style

1/4 cup onion -- chopped

1 small pkg canned biscuits

dash pepper and salt

In small saucepan, saute onions until tender. (Use dollop of margarine and water.) In 3 quart saucepan, heat margarine over medium heat until bubbly and hot. Add flour, mustard and stir quickly to combine thoroughly. Stirring\par constantly, gradually add milk, continue to stir and cook until smooth. Add broth mix and pepper and mix well. Reduce heat to low and cook, stirring occasionally, until mixture is thick, 5 to 10 minutes. Add cheese and cook, stirring until melted. Add chicken and vegetables and continue cooking until chicken and venerable are heated through.

Preheat oven to 400º. spray casserole dish with non-stick cooking spray and pour chicken mixture into dish. Separate each biscuit into two layers of dough. Arrange on top of chicken mixture. Bake until biscuits are golden, 7 to 10 minutes.

NOTES : Original recipe did not request chopped onion.

Yield: 4 servings.

Exchanges: 3 protein, 1 bread, 1 1/2 vegetables, 1 Fat, 1/4 milk, and 35 optional calories

Simple Green Bean Casserole

2 Points per serving

2 14.5 oz cans green beans -- drained

1 can cream of mushroom soup, condensed -- 98% fat free

1 small can fried onion rings

Mix soup and green beans with 1/2 can of fried onion rings, and put in casserole dish. Bake at 350º for about 20-30 minutes or until bubbling hot. Top with remaining fried onion rings and brown.

Serves 4.

Hope you enjoy these recipes

CANNOLI

ANOTHER MANIC MONDAY

2009-01-05T13:35:00.001-06:00

After having time off for the past 2 weeks and all the celebrations that went on...it is time to go back to work and let me say how hard it was. Today we had 3 knew babies start in my room and can we say alot of crying was going on....yes, it was all of us (me included) let us hope and pray this ends soon....(LOL).

It is also serious time to get back on my weigh*t watch*ers track and get it together...but it was a week end of eating and not doing enough to change that....lets hope that gets better to....

In honor of Monday here are the lyrics for Manic Monday by the bangles to try to get you thru this day...

Six o'clock already
I was just in the middle of a dream
I was kissin' Valentino
By a crystal blue Italian stream
But I can't be late
'Cause then I guess I just won't get paid
These are the days
When you wish your bed was already made

It's just another manic Monday
I wish it was Sunday
'Cause that's my funday
My I don't have to runday
It's just another manic Monday

Have to catch an early train
Got to be to work by nine
And if I had an air-o-plane
I still couldn't make it on time
'Cause it takes me so long
Just to figure out what I'm gonna wear
Blame it on the train
But the boss is already there

All of the nights
Why did my lover have to pick last night
To get down
Doesn't it matter
That I have to feed the both of us
Employment's down
He tells me in his bedroom voice
C'mon honey, let's go make some noise
Time it goes so fast
When you're having fun

Have a great Monday...I forgot to mention I received a pin from one of my parents and it says Believe. She told me it was to remind me that I can believe that I can do this weight loss journey. I will try to post a picture on Wednesday. Hopefully my power cord will be delivered for my laptop.

CANNOLI

I'M SO PROUD

2009-01-04T13:30:00.001-06:00

My brother and niece were honored today. They are very involved in Indian Princess. Here is alittle bit about the award that they received today......

Joe Friday was an Ojibway Indian, He was the main inspiration of Harold S. Keltner who founded this organization back in 1926.
So we give out an award once a year in his honor. This award goes out to an Officer who has gone above and beyond his regular elected duties. This Officer has been there to help out all year. Whether it was to collect pallets for the Council Fires or help out at all the recruiting rallies. We never had to ask him to help he would come to us and ask what time do we need to be there. I personally asked him for help “probably weekly” to send out extra reminders to everyone. Other times he took it upon himself to get the word out to everyone whenever it was necessary. Even though his position was Asst. Running Waters Editor He took on the role of Editor a few months into the year always making sure the news letter was correct and on time. While always keeping in mind what was right for the organization.

Randy and Morgan
It states:

Presented to Randy

On this 4th Day Of January 2009

In Appreciation For The Time & Effort You have Dedicated

To The Members Of The

Ridgewood Big Creek Frontier

Adventure Princess Program

While Maintaining A High Standard Of Parent/Child Involvement

On Behalf Of The Officers And Members

Thank You For Providing An Example That Reflects The

Ideas Of This Program

An Example That Helps A Dad And His Daughter To Become And

Remain

Friends Always

CONGRULATIONS BRO.....(I know I borrowed it from your blog) (LOL)

CANNOLI

WHAT I DID TODAY

2009-01-03T21:10:00.000-06:00

Well I was going to go to weightwat*chers but because of my mouth situation, I didn't. I need to get back to my meetins and start getting back on track.

I did go to the dentist today(yeah me) and they could do a bridge for 1100.00 or they could do a root canal and a crown for 625. Of course, I went for the root canal.

They were an hour behind schedule and once I was in the chair, it began a long 4 hours of intense mouth work. After all the work I had done, they wanted to clean my teeth. I decided to have that done in 2 weeks when they put in the crown permanetly.

Let me say I will be going to work smilin this week all the way.....

Smile though your heart is aching
Smile even though its breaking
When there are clouds in the sky, youll get by
If you smile through your fear and sorrow
Smile and maybe tomorrow
Youll see the sun come shining through for you

Light up your face with gladness
Hide every trace of sadness
Although a tear may be ever so near
Thats the time you must keep on trying
Smile, whats the use of crying?
Youll find that life is still worthwhile
If you just smile

Thats the time you must keep on trying
Smile, whats the use of crying?
Youll find that life is still worthwhile
If you just smile

CANNOLI

WHEN YOUR SMILIN

2009-01-02T19:36:00.003-06:00

In my family, during the holidays we always play a game of how many days off do you. Usually my brother is the winner. Since Wednesday evening, I have a grand total of 4 (yeah me). Which means no work until Monday.

On New Year Eve's while drinking and having fun with my brother and sisters and their families, I broke off one of my front teeth on top with a pretzel(hate those from now on).

So, today I got to go to a dentist and hear the bad news that they can't fix it immediately, I'm not sure what is going to happen and I am very upset over this. I did make another appointment for tomorrow with another dentist for a second opinion.

When youre smilin....keep on smilin
The whole world smiles with you
And when youre laughin....keep on laughin
The sun comes shinin through

But when youre cryin.... you bring on the rain
So stop your frownin....be happy again
Cause when youre smilin....keep on smilin
The whole world smiles with you

(instrumental break)
Oh when youre smilin....keep on smilin
The whole world smiles with you
Ah when youre laughin....keep on laughin
The sun comes shinin through

Now when youre cryin.... you bring on the rain
So stop that sighin....be happy again
Cause when youre smilin....just keep on smilin
And the whole world gonna smile with

The great big world will smile with

The whole wide world will smile with you

Let me just say I will not be smiling or laughing for awhile......I want to take the next week off but probably won't.

CANNOLI

2009 and what I'm going to change

2009-01-01T16:13:00.006-06:00

Thanks bro, for the graphics that I borrowed from you. Everyone is talking about things that they are going to change for the new year so I will add my list of 9 things that I am going to try working on....

1. Weight loss (doing a biggest lose#r thing with my family)
2. Try to be more organized
3. Keep in contact with my extended family
4. Getting my teeth worked on
5. Try growing my nails long
6. Get my finances in order
7. Work on being happier
8. Donate more time or collect for an non profit organization
9. Keep blogging every day

What are your goals???? Any other ideas for me????

Maybe joining the body challenge or trying gastric bypass or whatever the new term is on surgery.....I don't know.....

I am looking forward to our new president elect and hopefully the current financial situation will improve....

May god bless you and yours for the next year and may you reach all your goals for the coming year.....
CANNOLI

SAYING GOODBYE 2008

2008-12-31T23:56:00.001-06:00

Well tonight we are saying goodbye to another year.....Where does the time go....I am not sure....

This evening we will be hanging out at my sister house where we will have lasagna and appetizers along with a few pomegranate martini(well at least I will). Lets just hope that I do not put my arm through the screen door window like I did in years past....

This past year has brought a death in my immediate family(my aunt) a wedding(my
2nd cousin and my sister's)an engagement(a cousin) a trip to Washington D.C(a little bit of sight seeing), a new hair style, 2 new vehicles(my new jeep and a used Hyundai), new friends and old friends just being together, a job change for my brother and one of my sister's, weight loss and tonight a broken tooth which I need to get fixed immediately. But over all not that bad of a year.....(except when your living it at the moment)

Auld Lang Syne

Should auld acquaintance be forgot
and never brought to mind?
Should auld acquaintance be forgot
and days of auld lang syne?
For auld lang syne, my dear,
for auld lang syne,
we'll take a cup of kindness yet,
for auld lang syne.

Should auld acquaintance be forgot
and never brought to mind?
Should auld acquaintance be forgot
and days of auld lang syne?
And here's a hand, my trusty friend
And gie's a hand o' thine
We'll tak' a cup o' kindness yet
For auld lang syne

So goodbye 2008 and hello 2009
Cannoli

ITS MY BIRTHDAY

2008-12-30T23:42:00.000-06:00

Its my birthday, all day long......yeah me!! I am off for the whole day looking to spend the whole day with friends and a margarita or two. I can not believe that I am under the 50 number and climbing to that number.

It just seemed like yesterday I was 15 and now look where I am....

I am the biggest baby about my birthday, I think that is due to it being during the holidays and it gets pushed aside but today I can say it was not pushed aside. I think I must of drank a full picture of margaritas myself but thats okay....

Again, happy birthday to me, happy birthday to me, happy birthday dear cannoli happy birthday to me and many more.....

CANNOLI

Concert

2008-12-16T07:03:00.001-06:00

My family went to daughter #2 first concert playing the viola. The concert included the band(alittle out of tune) first year orchestra and then 2nd and 3rd year students....

The choir was up next and before they began daughter#1 and I exchanged glances saying oh no what were we going to be listening to. My niece was in the choir and lets say she did not inherit my singing voice. Let me tell you they were wonderful....One of the numbers they sang was Angels Among Us....I just love that song....so I included the words below so that you can see what we heard....

I was walking home from school on a cold winter day.
Took a shortcut through the woods, and I lost my way.
It was getting late, and I was scared and alone.
But then a kind old man took my hand and led me home.
Mama couldn't see him, but he was standing there.
And I knew in my heart, he was the answer to my prayers.

Chorus
Oh I believe there are angels among us.
Sent down to us from somewhere up above.
They come to you and me in our darkest hours.
To show us how to live, to teach us how to give.
To guide us with a light of love.

When life held troubled times, and had me down on my knees.
Theres always been someone there to come along and comfort me.
A kind word from a stranger, to lend a helping hand.
A phone call from a friend, just to say I understand.
And ain't it kind of funny that at the dark end of the road.
Someone lights the way with just a single ray of hope.

Chorus

They wear so many faces, show up in the strangest places.
To guide us with their mercy, in our time of need.

Chorus
To guide us with a light of love.

It brought tears to my eyes.....and touched my heart....

CANNOLI

WHAT HAS BEEN GOING ON

2008-12-15T05:44:00.001-06:00

Well, I can say I feel much better.....where do I begin with what has been going on ....

I am just getting over that nasty virus you know the one I'm talking about. The one that hits your stomach one way or another. And let's not forget about the fever and the stomach pains and the crying that you tried to go to work and you made it 3 hours and then you needed to go home and you don't want to due to the fact that your Christmas party is that night and all you can do it worry that you are not going to get to the facilities before your stomach one way or another is going to lose it....

But I did go home for a few hours and took a nap went to the party and even had a few bites of dinner and a few drinks...tried to go out for a few hours but couldn't spend the night, but that is okay.....

I think it is starting to hit my family now....great.....

I need to thank my brother and daughter#1 for fixing my computer.....I have a D@ll inspiron and the windows xps crashed and of course I couldn't find the cds that came with the computer let us not forget that my computer will be 3 years old in April....

Hopefully, I will start blogging again....
CANNOLI

I'M BACK

2008-12-13T05:43:00.001-06:00

The following was written by Ben Stein and recited by him on CBS Sunday Morning Commentary.

My confession:

I am a Jew, and every single one of my ancestors was Jewish. And it does not bother me even a little bit when people call those beautiful lit up, bejeweled trees, Christmas trees.. I don't feel threatened. I don't feel discriminated against. That's what they are: Christmas trees.

It doesn't bother me a bit when people say, 'Merry Christmas' to me. I don't think they are slighting me or getting ready to put me in a ghetto. In fact, I kind of like it It shows that we are all brothers and sisters

celebrating this happy time of year. It doesn't bother me at all that there is a manger scene on display at a key intersection near my beach house in Malibu . If people want a creche, it's just as fine with me as is the Menorah a few hundred yards away.

I don't like getting pushed around for being a Jew, and I don't think Christians like getting pushed around for being Christians. I think people who believe in God are sick and tired of getting pushed around, period. I have no idea where the concept came from that America is an explicitly atheist country. I can't find it in the Constitution and I don't like it being shoved down my throat.

Or maybe I can put it another way: where did the idea come from that we should worship celebrities and we aren't allowed to worship God as we understand Him? I guess that's a sign that I'm getting old, too. But there are a lot of us who are wondering where these celebrities came from and where the America we knew went to.

In light of the many jokes we send to one another for a laugh, this is a little different: This is not intended to be a joke; it's not funny, it's intended to get you thinking.

Billy Graham's daughter was interviewed on the Early Show and Jane Clayson asked her 'How could God let something like this happen?' (regarding Katrina) Anne Graham gave an extremely profound and insightful response. She said, 'I believe God is deeply saddened by this, just as we are, but for years we've been telling God to get out of our schools, to get out of our government and to get out of our lives. And being the gentleman He is, I believe He has calmly backed out. How can we expect God to give us His blessing and His p rotection if we demand He leave us alone?'

In light of recent events... terrorists attack, school shootings, etc. I think it started when Madeleine Murray O'Hare (she was murdered, her body found a few years ago) complained she didn't want prayer in our schools, and we said OK. Then someone said you better not read the Bible in school. The Bible says thou shalt not kill, thou shalt not steal, and love your neighbor as yourself. And we said OK.

Then Dr. Benjamin Spock said we shouldn't spank our children when they misbehave because their little personalities would be warped and we might damage their self-esteem (Dr Spock's son committed suicide). We said an expert should know what he's talking about. And we said OK.

Now we're asking ourselves why our children have no conscience, why they don't know right from wrong, and why it doesn't bother them to kill strangers, their classmates, and themselves. Probably, if we think about it long and hard enough, we can figure it out. I think it has a great deal to do with 'WE REAP WHAT WE SOW.'

Funny how simple it is for people to trash God and then wonder why the world's going to hell Funny how we believe what the newspapers say, but question what the Bible says. Funny how you can send 'jokes' through e-mail and they spread like wildfire but when you start sending messages regarding the Lord, people think twice about sharing. Funny how lewd, crude, vulgar and obscene articles pass freely through cyberspace, but public discussion of God is suppressed in the school and workplace.

Are you laughing yet?

Funny how when you forward this message, you will not send it to many on your address list because you're not sure what they believe, or what they will think of you for sending it.

Funny how we can be more worried about what other people think of us than what God thinks of us. Pass it on if you think it has merit. If not then just discard it... no one will know you did. But, if you discard this thought process, don't sit back and complain about what bad shape the world is in.

My Best Regards, Honestly and respectfully,

Ben Stein

CANNOLI

WHILE I HAVE BEEN AWAY

2008-11-30T07:53:00.001-06:00

Hi Everyone while I have been away I have been doing a little shopping....

A friend of mine is selling throws again this year for Christmas. You know what they are, the thingy that you throw over your bed to keep you warm. I only have the one attached sample to show you now. I may have already solicited a few of you so if this is a repeat request, I apologize.

They are $63.00 each ---- I know it sounds expensive, but they are really good quality. I am getting 2 --- one for my bed and one for my sofa.

Have a look, and let me know if you are interested. Orders are due by this weekend!

Hurry this sale won't last long.
CANNOLI

HAPPY THANKSGIVING

2008-11-27T05:17:00.000-06:00

John tried and tried to change the bird's attitude by
consistently saying only polite words, playing soft music and
anything else he could think of to 'clean up' the bird's vocabulary.

Finally, John was fed up and he yelled at the parrot.
The parrot yelled back.

John shook the parrot and the parrot got angrier and even ruder.

John, in desperation, threw up his hands, grabbed the
bird and shoved him in the freezer.

For a few minutes the parrot squawked and kicked and screamed.
Then suddenly there was total quiet.
Not a peep was heard for over a minute.

Fearing that he'd hurt the parrot,
John quickly opened the door to the freezer.

The parrot calmly stepped out onto John's outstretched
arms and said 'I believe I may have offended you
with my rude language and actions.
I'm sincerely remorseful for my inappropriate transgressions
and I fully intend to do everything I can to
correct my rude and unforgivable behavior.'

John was stunned at the change in the bird's attitude.
As he was about to ask the parrot what had made such a
dramatic change in his behavior, the bird continued....

........"May I inquire as to what the turkey did?'

~ Happy Thanksgiving to all ~

CANNOLI

WEIGH IN SATURDAY

2008-11-22T10:29:00.000-06:00

Today, was weigh in day and let me say another pound off......yeah me.....so now I am a total of 24 pounds with wwatchers and 5 pounds of my own......only another 54 pounds before my goal for my class reunion.....

I am thinking of joining a water arobics class two times a week....if I can fit it in....hopefuly that will help me take off more weight and get this weight off and change my life for the better....

We talked about the holidays coming and watching what we are eating.....and did you know that pumpking pie has 9 points...and stuffing 1 cup is 5 points so I need to start walking today so that I can eat on Thursday.....

Don't know when I can get to the computer again...so, if you don't see me on have a safe and happy Thanksgiving....

CANNOLI

WHERE HAVE I BEEN

2008-11-20T10:24:00.000-06:00

My computer has died for the moment, I need to reinstall windows and maybe a driver....hopefully my brother will help me and get me up and running....so please say a prayer for me thanks

CANNOLI

RECIPE TUESDAY

2008-11-18T14:04:00.003-06:00

In honor of Thanksgiving next week here is a drink and an appetizer recipe!!!

Mulled Red Wine Sangria

Ingredients
1 bottle Spanish red table wine
1/4 cup fresh orange juice
1/4 cup brandy
3 tablespoons sugar
1 orange, thinly sliced
1 lemon, thinly sliced
Directions
Combine wine, juice, brandy and sugar in a medium saucepan over low heat and heat until the sugar has melted. Add the orange and lemon slices and let simmer for 5 minutes. Serve in heat resistant glasses.

Ingredients
1 (6-ounce) jar cheese spread
1 (8-ounce) package cream cheese, softened
1/2 cup mayonnaise
1/2 cup butter, softened
1 teaspoon garlic powder

Directions

Place all of the ingredients in a small mixing bowl. Mix well with a handheld electric mixer for about 3 minutes, scraping down the sides of the bowl, until completely combined. Store in a plastic container with a snap-on lid in the refrigerator. Serve at room temperature.

Try serving spread with celery sticks, crackers, crusty French bread or baked potatoes.

ENJOY!!!

CANNOLI

SUNDAY MUSING

2008-11-16T20:06:00.002-06:00

Let me say, today was a wonderful day as my children were gone all day so it was very quiet here. I watched a lot of my shows that I had on tape and let me say I loved it very much. It was nice to watch what I wanted to...Plus I watched YOU GOT MAIL and then THE BODYGUARD.

During this time, I was able to put all my fall decorations away and I started decorating for the holidays. I know, I know it is early yet but I couldn't help myself.....

CANNOLI

SATURDAY WEIGH IN

2008-11-15T19:06:00.002-06:00

Today, it was weigh in day and I can say I am proud I lost the weight from last week and here we go ago.

At the meeting today the topic was towards football....

"Setting a goal is not the main thing. It's deciding how you will go about achieving it and staying with that plan." by Tom Landry

Individual success starts at the meeting...
You have to stick to the plan.
We all stumble.
Keep your eye on the goal.
Believe in your abilities and never give up...

Well another week done and another week to go....

CANNOLI

5 QUESTION FRIDAY

2008-11-14T19:21:00.000-06:00

1. Could you live without your phone for 1 week for $500? My daughter1 said I could if I was desperate
2. Whom do you talk to on the phone the most? My friend cartoon girl and my husband
3. Whom do you no longer talk to on the phone but wish you still did? My friend sandy
4. If you could get ahold of one celebrity phone number, whose digits would you want?I would like Robin Swoboda
5. Do you talk on the phone more or less than you used to? Probably more

CANNOLI

THANKFUL THURSDAY

2008-11-13T19:16:00.000-06:00

For my job at the daycare, we need to update our CPR class every 2 years, and first aid, along with communicable disease and lastly child abuse every 3 years. I am thankful that last night was my last class for 2 years(yeah me) and it was child abuse.....

I hate taking these classes...this was at the end of the day from 6:30 to 9:30....the first thing the teacher says is that we will be there the whole 3 years (yuck)...and then she has us state our first name, the name of the center we work at and then the age of the children in our room....

By this time, I am annoyed, I just want this class done and out of my hair....but no we need to count by fours so we can split up into groups and discuss what the definition of the different types of abuse and 5 signs of abuse and then the 5 signs of the person who is carrying out the abuse.....

We had to also finish the paper and read some articles from the paper she had cut out for us to discuss...let me say I am thankful 3 more years before I have to take this class again......
CANNOLI

WORDLESS WEDNESDAY

2008-11-12T05:16:00.000-06:00

CANNOLI

RECEIPE TUESDAY

2008-11-11T06:16:00.002-06:00

I am craving this....so I will let you make it and enjoy it for me....lol

ORIGINAL FLORIDA KEY LIME PIE RECIPE - FLORIDA'S OFFICIAL STATE PIE...

1 (14 oz) can sweetened condensed milk

4 egg yolks

4 oz. Florida Key West Key Lime Juice

9" graham cracker pie crust

Mix milk and egg yolks completely with electric mixer. Slowly add key lime juice and mix thoroughly. Pour into 9-inch prepared graham cracker pie shell. Bake at 350o for 8 minutes*. Turn oven off and crack door. *If making meringue, place meringue on hot key lime pie, sealing edges to crust, then toast to a golden brown. Keep a close eye on it. It'll start to toast real fast. Turn oven off and crack door after browning meringue. If using whipped topping, bake for 10 minutes. Let pie cool before placing in refrigerator. If using whipped topping, place on pie prior to serving and garnish as desired.

PUMPKIN PIE

½ cup Sugar
½ tsp Ground Nutmeg
½ tsp Salt
1 Ready-made Piecrust
1 tsp Ground Cinnamon
1 tsp Ground Ginger
1/3 cup Well-Packed Brown Sugar
1½ cup Evaporated Milk
2 cups Canned Pumpkin Puree
3 Eggs
Whipped Topping

Method:
Preheat oven to 375° F.
Place the piecrust in the oven to warm it.
Mix all the ingredients (except the piecrust) in a large bowl until they blend smoothly.
Remove the piecrust from the oven.
Pour the pumpkin filling into the hot piecrust and place it in the oven again.
Let it bake for 35 to 40 minutes.
You have to be vigilant while baking the pie because the crust of an over-baked pie may crack open.
When the filling is almost solid and just a little bouncy, the pie is done.
Let the pie cool on a rack.
Refrigerate it until the next day but make sure that you do not keep the pie in the freezer or it may get damaged.
Cut the pie into slices and put a dollop of whipped topping on the top of each slice while serving.

CANNOLI

50 THINGS ABOUT ME

2008-11-10T04:56:00.000-06:00

Here is a lists of 50 things that you might not know about me

1. My birthday is Dec.30
2. I hate my birthday because of the holidays it gets pushed aside
3. I am 47 years old
4. I am married
5. I have been married 18 years
6. I am Jewish
7. I have two children daughter1 and daughter2
8. Daughter 1 was conceived on birth control pills
9. Daughter 2 was convceived with help of artificial insemination
10. I work fulltime at a daycare
11. I like all kinds of music
12. I am a country music fan
13. My favorite performers are Reba and George Straight
14. Last concert I went to was Brook and Dunns with Big and Rich
15. My favorite music is Musicals
16. I love to read
17. I am into Harry Potter
18. My favorite color is red
19. I live in the state of Ohio
20. The furthers state I have been to is Hawaii
21. I am learning to knit
22. I also cross stitch
23. I have the same four friends since 7th grade(along with others)
24. I have 2 sisters
25. I have 1 brother
26. I have a niece
27. I have a sister-in-law
28. My siblings and I live within 5 minutes of each other
29. I started wearing contacts in 2005
30. My favorite perfume is Gucci Rush
31. My favorite food is anything Mexican
32. My favorite drinks are Marguerite, bloody marys and rum and coke with limes
33. My favorite lifesaver is butter rum
34. I hate boating but love the beach
35. I am a very gadget person
36. I am a muppet fan and love Miss Piggy
37. I am a great blog reader
38. I love to decorate for the holidays
39. I collect salt and pepper shakers since I was 10
40. I also collect Disney snowglobes
41. I love anything Mickey Mouse
42. I love the smell of coffee but don't drink it
43. I was addicted to coca-cola
44. I also love to karoke
45. Use to be a great speller until spell check came along
46. Wanted to be a teacher but never finished college
47. I love to talk on the phone
48. I wear a size 81/2 shoe
49. I need to lose weight(okay more weight)

and for the last one.....

50. I AM TRYING TO GET THROUGH THIS LIFE

CANNOLI

SUNDAY MUSINGS....

2008-11-09T06:12:00.000-06:00

I am trying hard to keep my blog going....but I am starting to have writers block and I know this is a common occurrence....I have been very careful in writing things about my relationship with my family as I don't want to offend anyone.

I don't write about work as a few coworkers read my blog and don't want to offend any one there.....and really nothing exciting is going on in my life that I don't write about now....I guess that I will need to have do something exciting so I have something to write about LOL

CANNOLI

WEIGH IN SATURDAY

2008-11-08T16:59:00.000-06:00

Today was weigh in and i alreqady knew what the scale was going to say....on Friday night, I went to a tastefully sim*ple party and lets say it was great....but it is alright....I will start again today, a new step in my step and step and go on from there....

The scale was not from my friend, it was a gain of a pound and I know it was not from one night....so it happens and it is life.....but it is a new day and I will go on....CANNOLI

5 QUESTION FRIDAY

2008-11-07T05:02:00.000-06:00

Today is my one and only nieces birthday. It is hard to believe that she has been in our family 10 years...where has the time gone...so in honor of her birthday, my 5 questions will revolve around her.....

1. What do you like to do????? Read anything I can (takes after her aunt CANNOLI)(LOL)

2. Are you a picky eater????? Yes, but I am getting better...

3. Do you play any instruments????? Yes, I am starting to learn the violin, while my cousin (aunt Cannoli's daughter) is learning the viola.....

4. Are you involved in any activities???? Yes, my dad and I are in Indian Princess together and my mom and I bake together...

5. Do you have any pets???? Yes, my dog Bailey who I take on walks.....

Again Happy Birthday sweeties....I love you and enjoy the day

Aunt Cannoli

THANKFUL THURSDAY

2008-11-06T06:00:00.004-06:00

I am thankful for a lot this week, the thing that is most important is that we have a new president elect. That the American people can look beyond color and elect a change for our country. (I know time will only tell). It was exciting to see the process play out this past 22 months or so. All I can say is G*D BLESS AMERICAN....

The one thing I am not thankful for is time change....it is kicking my butt...I need to be in bed by 9:00 or so....yikes

CANNOLI

WORDLESS WEDNESDAY

2008-11-05T05:02:00.000-06:00

CANNOL

WORDLESS WEDNESDAY

2008-11-05T05:00:00.000-06:00

CANNOLI

RECIPE TUESDAY

2008-11-04T06:56:00.002-06:00

A Meal Fit For A Candidate: Barack Obama

Grilled Skirt Steak Tacos With Caramelized Onions

Ingredients

1 large white onion, sliced into 1/2-inch rounds (keep the rounds intact for easy grilling)
3 garlic cloves, peeled and roughly chopped
3 tablespoons fresh lime juice
1/4 teaspoon cumin, preferably freshly ground
Salt
1 pound skirt steak, trimmed of surface fat as well as the thin white membrane called "silver skin"
Vegetable or olive oil for brushing or spritzing the onions and meat
A small bowlful of lime wedges for serving
12 warm corn tortillas

1. Marinate the meat. In a food processor or blender, combine 1/4 of the onion, the garlic, lime juice, cumin and 1/2 teaspoon salt. Process to a smooth puree. Place the skirt steak in a non-aluminum baking dish. Using a spoon, smear the marinade over both sides of the skirt steak. Cover and refrigerate 1 hour or up to 8 hours.

2. Caramelize the onions. Heat a gas grill to medium-high or light a charcoal fire and let it burn just until the coals are covered with gray ash. Either turn the burner(s) in the center of the grill to medium-low or bank the coals to one side of the grill for indirect cooking.

Brush or spray the remaining onion slices with oil and sprinkle with salt. Lay the whole rounds of onions on the grill, not over direct heat. When they start to soften and brown, about 10 minutes, use a spatula to flip them and brown the other side. Remove from the grill and break onions into rings.

3. Grill the meat. While the onions are browning, remove the steak from the marinade and gently shake off the excess. Oil the steak well on both sides, and lay it over the hottest part of the grill or directly over the coals. Grill, turning once, until richly browned and done to your liking, about 2-3 minutes per side for medium. Remove to a cooling rack set over a large plate — this keeps the juices in the meat rather than running out. Let the steaks rest until the onions have finished grilling.

4. Serve the tacos. Cut the long piece of skirt steak into 3- to 4-inch sections, then cut each section into thin strips across the grain (that is, in line with the full length of the skirt steak). Mix with the onions, season with a little salt and set on the table, along with the lime wedges, roasted tomatillo guacamole (see recipe below) and hot tortillas, for your guests to make into soft tacos.
Roasted Tomatillo Guacamole

Ingredients
3 large ripe avocados, preferably the pebbly-skin Hass variety
1 cup roasted tomatillo salsa (see recipe below)
Salt
Cilantro sprigs for garnish

Makes 3 generous cups

Remove the little nub of stem that is sometimes lodged at the top of each avocado. Cut each avocado in half by slicing straight down through the spot where the stem was attached, until you reach the pit, then rotating the knife all the way around the pit. Twist the two halves apart, then scoop out the pits. With a spoon, scoop out the soft flesh from the skin, collecting it in a large bowl as you go. Coarsely mash with the spoon (or you can use an old-fashioned potato masher or large fork).

Gently stir the salsa into the avocado. Taste and season with salt, usually about 1/2 teaspoon. Cover with plastic wrap directly on the surface and refrigerate until you're ready to serve. (Not only will the guacamole improve if made half an hour or so before serving, but it also will maintain its fresh look longer if served cold.) Scoop into a decorative bowl, garnish with cilantro sprigs and you're ready to set it out for your guests to enjoy.

Roasted Tomatillo Salsa

Ingredients

4 medium (about 8 ounces total) tomatillos, husked, rinsed and halved
2 large garlic cloves, peeled
Hot green chilies to taste (I like 2 serranos or 1 jalapeno), stemmed and roughly chopped
About 1/3 cup (loosely packed) roughly chopped cilantro
1/2 small white onion, finely chopped
Salt
Makes 1 1/2 cups

Set a large (10-inch) nonstick skillet over medium-high heat (if a nonstick skillet is unavailable, lay a piece of foil in the skillet). Lay in the garlic and tomatillos (cut side down). When the tomatillos are well browned, 3 or 4 minutes, turn everything and brown the other side. (The tomatillos should be completely soft.)

Scrape the tomatillos and garlic into a blender or food processor, and let cool to room temperature. Add the chili and cilantro, and blend to a coarse puree. Pour into a salsa dish.

Scoop the chopped onion into a strainer and rinse under cold water, shaking off the excess water. Stir into the salsa. Taste and season with salt, usually about 1/2 teaspoon. You'll need 1 cup of this salsa to flavor the guacamole. Refrigerate the leftover salsa for another use.

CANNOLI

Unconscious Mutterings

2008-11-03T07:06:00.000-06:00

I say ... and you think ... ?

Contemplate ::Ponder
In the house ::Many
Classical :: Music
Quest ::Goal
Best friend :: Many
1991 :: Daughter #1 born
Never will ::EVER
Fool ::Joker
Unhappy :: Depressed
Best man :: ?

A LOVE STORY

2008-11-03T05:46:00.000-06:00

The love story of Ralph and Edna.
Just because someone doesn't love you the way you want them to, doesn't mean they don't love you with all they have. Ralph and Edna were both
patients in a mental hospital. One day while they were walking past the hospitalswimming pool. Ralph suddenly jumped into the deep end.
He sank to the bottom of the pool and stayed there.

Edna promptly jumped in to save him. She swam to the bottom and pulled him out. When the Head Nurse Director became aware of Edna's heroic act she
immediately ordered her to be discharged from the hospital, as she now considered her to be mentally stable. When she went to tell Edna the news she said, 'Edna, I have good news and bad news. The good news is you're being discharged, since you were able to rationally respond to a crisis by jumping in and saving the life of the person you love. I have concluded that your act displays sound mindedness.
The bad news is, Ralph hung himself in the bathroom with his bathrobe belt right after you saved him. I am so sorry, but he's dead.'

Edna replied, 'He didn't hang himself, I put him there to dry. How soon can I go home?'
Happy Mental Health Day!
CANNOLI

SATURDAY WEIGH IN

2008-11-01T08:00:00.000-05:00

Today is weigh in day and lets just say at least I lost. I went out for two drinks last night so that could account for some of this. I lost .4pounds, so again I need to constrate on this situation.

Tonight is card playing night and lets hope I win something. We have been playing the last 15 years or so. Where has the time gone...I look forward to the laughs, and the food and even the games.

I really need to get ready for my day....have a great fall day enjoy the weather...

CANNOLI

5 QUESTION FRIDAY

2008-10-31T06:28:00.001-05:00

Holiday Season Edition
What's your favorite holiday ...HALLOWEEN

Song? O HOLY NIGHT

Movie or TV special?WHITE CHRISTMAS

Memory?WATCHING WHITE CHRISTMAS WITH MY CARD PLAYING FRIENDS

Baked good or desert?HOMEMADE COOKIES

Each year, what's the one moment that lets you know it's officially the holiday season? WHEN I HEAR CHRISTMAS CAROLS ANY WHERE
CANNOLI

THANKFUL THURSDAY

2008-10-30T05:59:00.000-05:00

I am thankful this week for daughter #1, I have given you the bad about her but now I will give you the good. Tonight, we are privileged to watch her being inducted into the National Honor Soc*iety. Yes, that means she has brains....(where she gets them from and how she uses them is another question)(LOL)

She is one of about 40 juniors in here class to be so honored. She is in top of her class of almost 500 students...who knew I had such a smart daughter...The top 2 percent....I am so proud of her and what she does...

Daughter #1 is very civil minded she volunteers to teach Irish dance, rides in tour DE cure for diabetes, and plus she does good volunteers with the Sunday school and this past summer (how can we forget) and she plays 2 instruments a flute, and a viola. She has a beautiful singing voice, draws beautifully.

I AM SO PROUD OF YOU......

LOVE, MOM
CANNOLI

WORDLESS WEDNESDAY

2008-10-29T06:06:00.000-05:00

CANNOLI

RECIPE TUESDAY

2008-10-28T05:24:00.003-05:00

MUMMY DOGS

INGREDIENTS
1 can (8 oz) Pillsbury® refrigerated crescent dinner rolls or 1 can (8 oz) Pillsbury® Crescent Recipe Creations™ refrigerated flaky dough sheet
2 1/2 slices American cheese, quartered (2.5 oz)
10 large hot dogs
Cooking spray
Mustard or ketchup, if desired

Witch Finger Cookies

DIRECTIONS
1. Heat oven to 375°F.
2. If using crescent rolls: Unroll dough; separate at perforations, creating 4 rectangles. Press perforations to seal. If using dough sheet: Unroll dough; cut into 4 rectangles.
3. With knife or kitchen scissors, cut each rectangle lengthwise into 10 pieces, making a total of 40 pieces of dough. Slice cheese slices into quarters (1/2 slice cheese, cut in half).
4. Wrap 4 pieces of dough around each hot dog and 1/4 slice of cheese to look like "bandages," stretching dough slightly to completely cover hot dog. About 1/2 inch from one end of each hot dog, separate "bandages" so hot dog shows through for "face." On ungreased large cookie sheet, place wrapped hot dogs (cheese side down); spray dough lightly with cooking spray.
5. Bake 13 to 17 minutes or until dough is light golden brown and hot dogs are hot. With mustard, draw features on "face."
Ingredients
1 cup butter softened
1 cup powdered sugar
1 egg lightly beaten
2 teaspoons lemon juice
2 2/3 cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking soda
pinch of salt
1 cup whole blanched almonds
Cooking Instructions
Add butter and powdered sugar into a mixing bowl and beat until smooth. Beat in egg and lemon juice. Sift together flour baking soda and salt and stir into mixture until combined. Cover and chill for 1 hour.

Preheat oven to 325F. Spray baking sheets with light coat of nonstick cooking spray.

Form fingers from 1 tablespoon of dough by rolling dough with clean hands. Use a knife to score lines for the finger’s knuckle. Press an almond firmly into the dough for a fingernail.

Place cookies on prepared baking sheet and cook for 20 minutes until golden brown. Cool for five minutes and place cookies on a rack to cool completely. Arrange on a spooky platter and serve.

CANNOLI

SLEEPING WITH MY NEW BUDDY

2008-10-27T05:34:00.000-05:00

Okay, okay I know that you are waiting to find out how I did with my new buddy and let me tell you.....I can't do it...

On Friday and Saturday, I watched tv with it for about an hour...I could handle that but it was still tough going. Its the pressure, you can't talk with it on your face...

Sunday night, I get into bed and I set myself up with the mask and everything....I go to sleep and its about 1:30 in the morning and I can't stand it on my face and the pressure....

So, I took it off and was hoping that I would put it back on during the middle of the night...but did that happen???????

No, let's hope tonight goes better...the medical company will be back on Wednesday and I hope to be at least 6 hours......

CANNOLI

SPENDING TIME WITH PRINCESS #2

2008-10-26T05:18:00.000-05:00

I know that it was coming....what you may ask....the question every young girl started asking her parents...and no its not can I have a ipod, or whatever is at their whim....it was the Hig*h schoo*l musica*l question.

I was able to hold her off on Friday, but once Saturday evening hit it was war......you never spend time with me, you do everything for my sister, you said so....please take me everyone is seeing it...and Daughter #1 is having a fit, please don't go then they start arguing....but in the end next thing I know, I am looking for the time and location, location, location....

We arrive before about 20 minutes before the start and I kept waiting for all of the young girls to become maybe cause it was later in the evening that did not happen. After paying the 15.00 and some change, we order our drinks and of course popcorn( for you watching my weight, no extra butter first time in a long time). There was only about twenty people in the theatre...

Then the movie started and let me tell you.....I LOVED IT.....I loved the music, the story line, the dancing...I want this movie!!!!!!!

After the movie ended (for you keeping track) it was around 11:30, I came home and started downloading the music(for my personal use only) and this morning I started listening to it....and no you can't borrow it yet, I'm still learning the music...lol

As they say "we are all in this together", alright I will quit singing and leave you alone...
CANNOLI

SATURDAY WEIGH IN

2008-10-25T14:13:00.001-05:00

Today was weigh in day and I did lose another 2 pounds....yeah me....I am up to 22 pounds with weigh*t watch*ers. Before I joined I had lost 5 pounds so I am up to a total of 27 pounds....

I have been with them for 18 weeks, at 16 weeks they give you a charm and I just couldn't say it out loud....I wanted it to be more....every week I listen and I think that this was not good enough....

Some one was taking about their struggle and in two and half years they had lost 75 pounds...and not that this a competition I just wanted more. I wanted to be at 10 percent weight lose at 16 weeks....so I finally said it out loud....with tears and they understood what I was trying to say...

This is hard, I know it is a change of life, it is not quick and it is not a diet...I will probably always struggle with my weight but I need to do this..

I just wish it was faster and more(like everyone else)....but they said realistically use should lose 1/2pound to a 1 pound a week and I am doing that....it is hard not to sit and eat and eat and eat....

At the end of the meeting, they had a drawing for a free book(inspiration on weight lose) and the leader said that she hoped that I would win(me too). Of course, I didn't win, but the person who won brought the book over to me and offered it to me. I took it and hope that I am inspired to keep the weight lose going...

CANNOLI

My new friend

2008-10-24T19:27:00.001-05:00

I have a new friend.....wait, wait, its something that will help me sleep better and feel better....here it is....

\

I have a very mild case of sleep apnea but really what I went to the doctor for was that my feet are swollen so the next thing I know is that I went to a sleep study and they felt I had a few symptons of this condition. We have been going back and forth with the insurance company and finally it came today.

So here is some info on the condition:
Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA) is a condition in which a patients breathing passage seals during sleep, causing the patient to stop breathing. Apnea is Greek for “without breath”. The body responds to this lack of oxygen by arousing, or waking from sleep. This cycle leads to the patient being unable to get the needed quantity of restful sleep and results in:

Constant Fatigue
Difficulty Focusing
Irritability
Untreated Sleep Apnea is potentially fatal and frequently results in the following serious health problems:

Heart Attacks
Strokes
High Blood Pressure
Diabetes

And here is some info on the machine:
The SleepStyle 238 also incorporates Fisher & Paykel Healthcare's patented Ambient Tracking® PLUS auto-adjusting humidification technology. Quieter operation Two kinds of noise can annoy you and your sleeping partner. There is the noise of the CPAP system and the gurgling noise (rainout) that results from condensation forming in the airtube. The SleepStyle 238 addresses both issues. It operates very quietly and, with Ambient Tracking® Plus, it automatically adjusts the level of humidification to minimize rainout noise from condensation while maximizing comfort

So now I am off to wear this beautiful thing for about an hour tonight and tomorrow and then Sunday night we will be sleeping buddies....but this is a health change and I need to do this...

Well pleasant dreams...

CANNOLI

5 QUESTION FRIDAY

2008-10-24T04:42:00.000-05:00

Well, these questions are becoming harder and harder to come up with....let's see what I can come up with.....

1. Favorite color???
RED

2. Slippers or socks???
SOCKS

3. Glasses or contacts???
CONTACTS

4. Casual or dress???
DRESS

5. Guilty Pleasure???
Bread

Have a great Friday....enjoy the moment....

CANNOLI

THANKFUL THURSDAY

2008-10-23T09:56:00.000-05:00

I am thankful for a lot of things again this week, and again it is about my family. On Sunday my brother, his wife, my niece, my sister and her husband, and my other sister and my family got together to watch a little football, have a drink or two and eat a little fried turkey, potato salad, a few appitzers and did I say have a drink or two(lol). It was nice to spend time with them that day and enjoy each others company. It was a beautiful fall day and really made me appreciate what I love about each and everyone of them....

CANNOLI

WORDLESS WEDNESDAY

2008-10-22T07:07:00.001-05:00

CANNOLI

RECIPE TUESDAY

2008-10-20T07:48:00.000-05:00

Scalloped Potatoes

Ingredients

6 medium potatoes (2-1/2 to 3 lbs.)
2 medium onions, sliced
1/4 cup (50 mL) butter or margarine
2 tbsp. (30 mL) all-purpose flour
1-1/2 cups (375 mL) chicken broth (homemade or canned)
salt and black pepper to taste
2 cups (500 mL) fresh bread crumbs (coarse)

Cooking Instructions

Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F (180 degrees C). Grease a 9x13-inch (23x33-cm) rectangular baking dish.
Scrub potatoes well and slice them very thinly (1/8 inch or 0.25 cm thick). It is not necessary to peel the potatoes, unless you prefer to do so. Place them in a bowl of cold water and set aside.
In a medium skillet, sauté sliced onions in 2 tbsp. (30 mL) of butter or margarine over low heat until evenly golden, 10 to 15 minutes. Set aside.
In a small saucepan, melt together the remaining 2 tbsp. (30 mL) of the butter or margarine and the flour over medium heat. Whisk in chicken broth, stirring constantly until the sauce thickens and bubbles. Continue to simmer for a minute or two, then remove from heat. Season to taste with salt and pepper.
Drain potatoes completely and layer them as follows: 1/3 of the potatoes, 1/2 of the onions, salt and pepper; 1/3 of the potatoes, remaining onions, salt and pepper; and finally all the remaining potatoes. Pour the sauce evenly over the potatoes and cover the baking dish tightly with foil. Bake for 45 minutes. Remove foil, sprinkle with bread crumbs and continue baking for an additional 45 minutes or until potatoes are tender and crumbs are crisp and browned.

Servings: 6 to 8

Roasted Apple Butter

Ingredients

8 medium McIntosh apples (2 3/4 pounds), peeled, cored and quartered
2 cups unsweetened apple juice

Cooking Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 450°F. Arrange apples in a large roasting pan. Pour apple juice over the apples. Bake until tender and lightly browned, about 30 minutes. Using a fork or potato masher, thoroughly mash the apples in the roasting pan.

2. Reduce oven temperature to 350°. Bake the apple puree, stirring occasionally, until very thick and deeply browned, 1 1/2 to 1 3/4 hours. Scrape into a bowl and let cool.

CANNOLI

I Believe...

2008-10-20T05:09:00.000-05:00

Birth Certificate shows that we were born,

A Death Certificate shows that we died,

Pictures show that we lived!

I Believe...

That just because two people argue,

it doesn't mean they don't love each other.
And just because they don't argue,
it doesn't mean they do love each other.

I Believe...
That we don't have to change friends

if we understand that friends change.

I Believe...
That no matter how good a friend is,

they're going to hurt you every once in a while

and you must forgive them for that.

I Believe...
That true friendship continues to grow,

even over the longest distance.

Same goes for true love.

I Believe...
That you can do something in an instant

that will give you heartache for life.

I Believe...
That it's taking me a long time

to become the person I want to be.

I Believe...
That you should always leave loved ones

with loving words. It may be the last time you see them.

I Believe...
That you can keep going long after you think you can't.

I Believe...
That we are responsible for what we do,

no matter how we feel.

I Believe...
That either you control your attitude or it controls you.

I Believe...
That heroes are the people who do what has to be done
when it needs to be done, regardless of the consequences.

I Believe...
That money is a lousy way of keeping score.

I Believe...
That sometimes the people you expect

to kick you when you're down,

will be the ones to help you get back up.

I Believe...
That sometimes when I'm angry

I have the right to be angry,

but that doesn't give me the right to be cruel.

I Believe...
That maturity has more to do

with what types of experiences you've had

and what you've learned from them

and less to do with how many birthdays you've celebrated.

I Believe...
That it isn't always enough, to be forgiven by others.

sometimes, you have to learn to forgive yourself.

I Believe...
That no matter how bad your heart is broken

the world doesn't stop for your grief.

I Believe...
That our background and circumstances

may have influenced who we are,

but, we are responsible for who we become.

I Believe...
That you shouldn't be so eager

to find out a secret.

It could change your life Forever.

I Believe...
Two people can look at

the exact same thing

and see something totally different.

I Believe...
That your life can be changed

in a matter of seconds

by people who don't even know you.

I Believe...
That even when you think

you have no more to give,

when a friend cries out to you -

you will find the strength to help.

I Believe...
That credentials on the wall

do not make you a decent human being.

I Believe...
That the people you care about most

in life are taken from you too soon.

I Believe...

CANNOLI

WHY NOT TO VOTE FOR SENATOR MCCAIN

2008-10-19T06:02:00.000-05:00

Sen. McCain has voted against measures that would support pregnant women and families that need it most:

McCain voted against extending Medicaid coverage to pregnant women and infants up to one year of age with incomes below the Federal poverty line.

Senator McCain voted twice against the State Children's Health Insurance Program (SCHIP), one of the largest support programs for pregnant women and poor children, which would have provided health care to an additional 3.2 million children and continuing coverage for the more than 6 million children already dependent on the care.

Senator McCain has opposed increases in funding to nutritional support program for pregnant women and infants (WIC) that has proven to be one of the most effective programs in supporting women to carry their pregnancies to term.

McCain voted against increased funding for child care and does not have a plan to help families make child care affordable.

Sen. McCain has voted to increase taxes on local small business nurseries and childcare providers.

He has voted against minimum wage increases at least 19 times and voted to completely repeal the minimum wage in 45 states.

CANNOLI

WEIGH IN SATURDAY

2008-10-18T08:10:00.003-05:00

This morning was weigh in and I know that I haven't been commenting on the situation...it was the 17 weigh in and I had lost a total of 20 pounds. I know, I know it is something , but at this point I wanted to be at 27 pounds so I guess I really cant complain. My goal is still in site before the class reunion so I probably should go and walk about about twenty miles lol.......

Here are a couple of pictures of 20lbs of things to keep me going....

5 QUESTION FRIDAY

2008-10-17T06:16:00.005-05:00

What cool thing on the web have you found today?
CannolibyMail.com is now delivering fresh cannoli, anywhere in the United States! Let us help you preserve YOUR Italian heritage and share this special dessert treat with your loved ones today!

What are you not looking forward to?
High School Musical Senior Year.....princess #2 is sooooooo loooking forward to this....lol

Kohl's or Macy's??
Kohl's......

Martha Stewart or Martha Washington???
Martha Stewart.....

Snow or Leaves?????
Leaves.....

Have a great day....

CANNOLI

THANKFUL THURSDAY

2008-10-16T20:00:00.000-05:00

Well after this past week, I have to say I am very thankful that I did get to spend time with my aunt before she passed away. We were the last one's outside of her immediate family who did get to talk to her...

Today was the funeral and afterwards I talked to my cousin, who let me know how much that it meant to my aunt that we had come to see her. I am so glad that I did that...it will be a memory to last a lifetime.

I have decided to start spending time with my aunts and uncles before they go, no matter what. So, in a few weeks I am having my aunt and uncle over for dinner.

I am also thankful that I did get to spend time with all of my family today during this difficult time. It was nice sitting around talking, laughing and even a few tears were expressed. It made me appreciate my family here and far and hope that GOD BLESSES US DURING THIS TIME.

CANNOLI

WHOM EVER YOU ARE

2008-10-15T17:57:00.002-05:00

If you are from Gdansk, Pomorskie please leave me a message I would like to send you something from America, as you are the person furtherest away reading my blog....

CANNOLI

WORDLESS WEDNESDAY

2008-10-15T05:24:00.000-05:00

CANNOLI

Why did the chicken cross the road?

2008-10-14T20:29:00.001-05:00

WHY DID THE CHICKEN CROSS THE ROAD?

BARACK OBAMA: The chicken crossed the road because it was time for change! The chicken wanted CHANGE!
JOHN MCCAIN: My friends, the chicken crossed the road because he recognized the need to engage in cooperation and dialogue with all the chickens on the other side of the road.
HILLARY CLINTON: When I was First Lady, I personally helped that little chicken to cross the road. This experience makes me uniquely qualified to ensure right from Day One that every chicken in this country gets the chance it deserves to cross the road. But then, this really isn't about me.
GEORGE W. BUSH: We don't really care why the chicken crossed the road. We just want to know if the chicken is on our side of the road or not. The chicken is either against us or for us. There is no middle ground here.
DICK CHENEY: Where's my gun?
COLIN POWELL: Now to the left of the screen, you can clearly see the satellite image of the chicken crossing the road.
BILL CLINTON: I did not cross the road with that chicken! What is your definition of chicken?
AL GORE: I invented the chicken.
JOHN KERRY: Although I voted to let the chicken cross the road, I am now against it! It was the wrong road to cross, and I was misled about the chicken's intentions. I am not for it now, and will remain against it.
AL SHARPTON: Why are all the chickens white? We need some black chickens.
DR. PHIL: The problem we have here is that this chicken won't realize that he must first deal with the problem on this side of the road before it goes after the problem on the other side of the road. What we need to do is help him realize how stupid he's acting by not taking on his current problems before adding new problems.
OPRAH: Well, I understand that the chicken is having problems, which is why he wants to to cross this road so bad. So instead of having the chicken learn from his mistakes and take falls, which is a part of life, I'm going to give this chicken a car so that he can just take falls, which is a part of life, I'm going to give this chicken a car so that he can just drive across the road and not live his life like the rest of the chickens.
ANDERSON COOPER: We have reason to believe there is a chicken, but we have not yet been allowed to have access to the other side of the road.
NANCY GRACE: That chicken crossed the road because he's guilty! You can see it in his eyes and the way he walks.
PAT BUCHANAN: To steal the job of a decent, hardworking American.
MARTH STEWART: No one called me to warn me which way that chicken was going. I had a standing order at the Farmer's Market to sell my eggs when the price dropped to a certain level. No little bird gave me any insider information.
Dr. SEUSS: Did the chicken cross the road? Did he cross it with a toad? Yes, the chicken crossed the road, but why it crossed I've not been told.
ERNEST HEMINGWAY: To die in the rain, alone.
GRANDPA: In my day we didn't ask why the chicken crossed the road. Somebody told us the chicken crossed the road, and that was good enough.
BARBARA WALTERS: Isn't that interesting? In a few moments, we will be listening to the chicken tell, for the first time, the heart warming story of how it experienced a serious case of molting, and went on to accomplish its lifelong dream of crossing the road.
ARISTOTLE: It is the nature of chickens to cross the road.
BILL GATES: I have just released eChicken2008, which will not only cross roads, but will lay eggs, file yur important documents, and balance your checkbook. Internet Explorer is an integral part of eChicken2008. This new platform is much more stable and will never reboot.
ALBERT EINSTEIN: Did the chicken really cross the road, or did the road move beneath the chicken?

COLONEL SANDERS: Did I miss one?
CANNOLI

A SAD TIME......

2008-10-14T05:38:00.005-05:00

My aunt's death notice....I still can't believe it.....

Myrna Nelson

68, of Coraopolis, Findlay Twp., died Monday, October 13, 2008, in her home. She was born April 9, 1940, in Cleveland, Ohio, a daughter of the late Louis and Betty Zabarsky. Mrs. Nelson was a homemaker. Surviving are her husband of 45 years, Michael C. Nelson; daughter, Michelle L. Nelson and son, Michael C. Nelson, Jr., both of Imperial; granddaughter, Bonni Pavlik; great-granddaughter, Alexis M. Nelson; 3 brothers and 5 sisters. Friends will be received 2-8pm Wednesday in the THOMAS - LITTLE FUNERAL SERVICE, INC., 305 Main Street, Imperial (724-695-2800) where funeral service will be held at 9:30am Thursday. Interment will follow in the National Cemetery of the Alleghenies. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the Make A Wish Foundation, 707 Grant St., Pittsburgh, PA 15219

May god bless your family during this time.....I love you and will miss you....

your b******,
(my family nickname)
CANNOLI

RECIPE TUESDAY

2008-10-14T05:33:00.005-05:00

These were my aunts favorite treat from Cleveland so in honor of her....here is the recipe of Chocolate Coconut Bars.

Chocolate Coconut Bars

6 (1-ounce) squares semisweet chocolate, chopped
1/2 cup granulated sugar
3 tablespoons butter
3 tablespoons water
2 large eggs
3/4 cup all-purpose flour
1 1/4 cups sweetened flake coconut
1/2 cup chopped pecans
1/3 cup semisweet chocolate chips
2/3 cup sweetened condensed milk

Preheat oven to 325°F. Line the bottom of an 8-inch baking pan with parchment paper.
In a heavy saucepan combine semisweet chocolate, sugar, butter and water. Cook over low heat, stirring constantly, until melted and smooth. Transfer to a large mixing bowl; cool slightly. Whisk in eggs then stir in flour until smooth. Pour batter into pan, smoothing the top with a spatula. Bake for 15 minutes.
In a medium bowl combine coconut, pecans and chocolate chips. Pour in condensed milk and stir well. Spoon over partially baked chocolate, spreading in an even layer out to edges. Return to oven and bake until set, about 20 minutes. Cool completely in pan on wire rack. Cut into small squares and transfer with spatula to serving tray or tin.

Makes 24 bars.

ENJOY!!!!

CANNOLI

THE FINAL STEP

2008-10-13T17:56:00.000-05:00

I finally get home and tell my parents what the situation is again. On Sunday, my father drives to Pennsylvania and she has already slipped into a coma. I can not repeat again how happy I am that I went....NO REGRETS

My cousin said she had been sleeping 24 hours and the Hospice nurse came and she got washed up and new nightgown on. During this time, my cousin was supporting her head as she needed to have her head up and then she passed away.

Today, we lost a memeber of our family at 11:00 am. GOD BLESS YOU AUNT MYRNA AND YOUR FAMILY DURING THIS DIFFICULT TIME...I LOVE YOU AND WILL MISS YOU....

CANNOLI

THE MIDDLE PART OF THE STORY

2008-10-13T05:28:00.000-05:00

I need to continue my story of the trip to Pennsylvania. Well during the wedding, I am bawling as the bride looks so beautiful....my uncle walked her down the isle and when the minister asks who gives her away, he responds "Her mother and her grandmother" he didn't say himself....(LOL)

After the wedding, I start talking to my cousin, who tells me his mom doesn't have much time left.....I want to see her as this was the reason for the trip.

My aunt that I drove down with is in condition to see her, so my uncle offers to take me to see her...My cousins that are from Cleveland...want to see her also so I decided to go with them...

On the way, I call my parents to give them an update. My sister gives them the message.

After a stop at a store where my cousin future husband is saying stuff about those Steelers, we finally make it there in one picece(thank goodness)....

I am nervous as we walk in the house. My cousin tells me her mom has been sleeping and is very medicated. I am that is okay as long as I can see her and give her a kiss. She said that's fine.

I walk in the bedroom and she starts waking up... She like you came to see me...I try straighting her pillows and she is still in pain. My cousin brings in the chocolate coconut bars that I had brought for her.

So, I go to the kitchen to put them on a plate for her and when I get back to the bedroom she has decided she wants to go the dinning room table. After a few minutes she is wheeled into the room.

Well I start rambling about different things and we talk. It was very nice. My cousins by the way are also there. My aunt keeps saying why don't you go, then she has a bite of the chocloate bars and that was it.

I ask to take her picture and she's like no I look horrible. I finally talk her into them and she and I take pictures of us feeding each other the cake. My cousins get their pictures taken also.

I can tell my aunt is getting tired and I say that to her. She replys that it is harder to hide that from people.

She wants us to spend the night and I'm like we have to go back to the reception to see your granddaughter. I tell her how much she has meant to me and how much I love her and we leave.

My cousins and I are crying all the way back to the reception. I have enough time to make a little small talk, eat a little dinner and we are on our way home.

CANNOLI

MUSINGS

2008-10-12T20:36:00.000-05:00

Well, I have a lot to say and I really don't know how to say it but here goes....

On Saturday, I went to Pennsylvania to attend a wedding for my second cousin. Her grandma which is my aunt has been ill with emphysema and was in the hospital about 3 weeks ago in critical condition. I had decided then I would see her before she got worse and that I was going to be attending this wedding to do it...

Well my mother was suppose to go to the wedding with me but that was before her surgery (which she is still recovering by the way)....so I had called another aunt to see if she wanted to go to the wedding. When I called she said she was having surgery the day before but not to worry. She would try to go on drugs along with my uncle who would drive us...(Please remember my relatives are getting in there 70 and 80's)

So the day of the wedding comes, I'm ready and meet them in a Mc*Donalds parking lot. We drive for almost almost 3 hours...during the ride those stupid map quest directions aren't working, we pull out the GPS systems and have a little issue on that....

My aunt who is suffering with pain has her drugs and her ice packs.....had to stop to get her something to try to settle her stomach(which didn't happen)...we pull up to the church...which was a small church quite cute.....

We walk in the church, I notice my uncle(remember married to my aunt that I wanted to see) and I see his son and you can tell they are in pain....I don't want to ask ...so I find a few more relatives and we decide to sit in the back of the church in support of my aunt who had surgery the day before and is nauseous...

Well we are waiting for the beginning of the service...I find out that my aunt is just to ill that she can't attend her granddaughters wedding and her daughter who is the mother of the bride is not there either as she is taking care of her mom....

I still have a lot more to go so will make another post....

CANNOLI

'IN GOD WE TRUST' IS GONE!!!

2008-10-12T17:42:00.000-05:00

I received this from an email....

Please help do this.. Refuse to accept these when they are handed to you.

I received one from the Post Office as change and I asked for a dollar bill instead.
The lady just smiled and said 'way to go' , so she had read this e -mail.
Please help out...our world is in enough trouble without this too!!!!!

U.S.Government to Release New Dollar Coins

You guessed it
'IN GOD WE TRUST' IS GONE!!!
If ever there was a reason to boycott something, THIS IS IT!!!!

DO NOT ACCEPT THE NEW DOLLAR COINS AS CHANGE

Together we can force them out of circulation

CANNOLI

A LOT GOING ON

2008-10-11T17:15:00.000-05:00

Please keep my extended family and myself in prayers.....will update later....

thanks

CANNOLI

Join the Movement

2008-10-11T07:43:00.000-05:00

Join the Movement to go Beyond a Cure!

The Love/Avon Army of Women offers a revolutionary new opportunity for YOU to partner with research scientists to move us beyond a cure.

Breast cancer has been around for decades, but it does not have to be our future. We can be the generation that eliminates breast cancer by identifying what causes this disease and stopping it before it starts. This is your chance to be part of the research that will end breast cancer. Sign up for your sister, mother, daughter, granddaughter, best friend, and the woman you met last week.

Help us eradicate breast cancer once and for all. Join the Army of Women today

http://www.armyofwomen.org/

CANNOLI

5 QUESTION FRIDAY

2008-10-10T06:42:00.005-05:00

My favorite day of the week, 5 question Friday

1 OBAMA OR MCCAIN????? OBAMA

2 COKE OR PEPSI?????? COKE

3 CAKE OR PIE????? CAKE

4 BEER OR WINE????? WINE

5 SPRING OR FALL????? FALL

HAVE A GREAT FRIDAY....

CANNOLI

THANKFUL THURSDAY

2008-10-09T05:17:00.003-05:00

Today, I am grateful that I am a Jew. Today is the Day of Atonement.
It is one of the most important religious holidays in a Jew's life...I am thankful that I can participate in this holiday, here is a little recap of this holiday, so that my non Jewish friends can understand what I am going thru....

On Yom Kippur we do not wear leather shoes, so put on your canvas or plastic sneakers or sandals!

Fasting
All girls over 12 years old and boys over 13 old must fast. If you are not 12 or 13 yet, you are not obligated to fast, but you should refrain from eating sweets and goodies, as Yom Kippur is a very serious day.hat I have my health so that I can participate in this holiday....

Pray!
Yom Kippur means the Day of Atonement, because it is the day on which we atone for all of our sins.

Yom Kippur is a day of prayer. Go to the synagogue, find yourself a quiet spot, and pray and meditate. Think about the past year, think of all the good things you did and of the not so good things, feel bad about them? Okay, now decide that you will never do those things again. And ask G-d to forgive you for anything inappropriate you may have done.

At the end of the day, the whole congregation recites the Shema and a few other verses out loud together, then the shofar is sounded for one long blast. After that we say: "Next Year in Jerusalem." We then recite the evening services and the fast is over.

And let me say, this day reminds me about how people in American feel with no breakfast in their bellies or a little snack before bed because I am hungry and it will be a long day.....I am thankful for every thing I have.....

CANNOLI

WORDLESS WEDNESDAY

2008-10-08T05:42:00.000-05:00

CANNOLI

TUESDAY RECIPE

2008-10-07T13:35:00.004-05:00

Today 17 years ago I gave birth to daughter#1 and let me say I love her very much....I can not believe where the time has gone.....she is so grown up....

In honor of her birthday, I am giving you the recipe for her favorite frosting and her favorite dinner....so enjoy

BUTTER CREAM FROSTING

1 c milk
1/4 c flour
1 c butter at room temperature
1 c granulated sugar
2 tsp vanilla

Combine milk and flour in a small saucepan over medium heat, stirring constantly, until mixture boils and thickens. Remove from heat and cool to room temperature. Cream the butter and sugar until very fluffy. Add the vanilla and cooled flour mixture. Continue to beat at medium speed until frosting is very fluffy and sugar is completely dissolved. (If you take a little of the frosting and rub it between your thumb and pointer finger, you'll be able to tell if the sugar has completely dissolved. If it hasn't, just keep beating.)

If butter cream is to be used for tube work (borders, etc.) the flour and milk mixture should be rubbed through a wire strainer before it is added to the creamed butter and sugar. Makes 3 cups - enough to frost, fill, and border a 9" cake.

Greek Flavored Chicken Pizza

-small package of chicken tenders, marinated in Greek or Caesar salad dressing, and grilled or fried until cooked through.
- small sliced onion
-Greek olives, pitted and chopped
-roasted red pepper, sliced
-crumbled feta cheese

(Note- To make pizza preparation a lot easier, it's good to start with pre-baked pizza crusts (such as a Boboli) found in any supermarket. Other varieties of pizza crust can be prepared to your liking, but the pre-baked crusts work just fine.)

So enjoy!!!!! AND HAPPY BIRTHDAY HONEY.......

CANNOLI

UPDATE ON MY MOM

2008-10-06T21:14:00.000-05:00

Hey just wanted to say thanks for the prayers....my mom came out of surgery much better then we hoped for....it turned out to be an infection that covered her spine....so they removed and sent some off to be tested...to see what it was...but much better then the worse we thought that was going to happen....

Hopefully, she will be home in a few days....and we can get back to our normal life......again thanks....

CANNOLI`

FINISHED THE SERIES

2008-10-06T05:38:00.002-05:00

All I can say is I love the Twlights series....I just finished the last of them this weekend and can I say I love, LOVE. LOVE them....I think I read the whole series in less then a month....

I CAN'T WAIT FOR THE MOVIE AND THE NEXT BOOK.....

CANNOLI

SUNDAY THINKING

2008-10-05T21:08:00.003-05:00

Daughter #2 had a soccer party for the end of year party this evening, it was held at a apple farm where we had hot dogs, chips, cider and coffee along with marshmallows and a bonfire along with a hay ride. This picture was taken by my brother on his iPhone. We had a great time,,,,,,,I have to say I love fall....

CANNOLI

IDEAS FOR THE WINTER BILLS

2008-10-04T17:08:00.002-05:00

Turn down the thermostat. "The rule of thumb is that you can save about 3% on your heating bill for every degree that you set back your thermostat" full time, says Bill Prindle, deputy director for the nonprofit American Council for an Energy-Efficient Economy (ACEEE). Turn down the thermostat 10 degrees when you go to work, and again when you go to bed -- a total of 16 hours a day -- and you can save about 14% on your heating bill, says Prindle.

Use fans wisely. In just one hour, a hard-working bathroom or kitchen fan can expel a houseful of warm air, according to the Department of Energy. Turn them off as soon as they've done their job.

Keep the fireplace damper closed. Heat rises, and an open damper is like a hole in the roof. Also, limit use of the fireplace, since fires actually suck heat from a room, says Harvey Sachs, director of ACEEE's buildings program. Close off seldom-used rooms. And shut the vents inside.

Turn down the water heater. Lowering the temperature of water in the water heater to 115-120 degrees reduces power use often without a noticeable difference to the user, says Prindle.

Keep heating vents clear. Vents blocked by rugs and furniture prevent heated air from circulating efficiently.

Use curtains. Opening curtains and shades on south-facing windows during the day allows solar radiation to warm a living space; closing all curtains at night helps retard the escape of that heat

Swaddle water heater and pipes. Unless you've got a newer water heater that already has built-in insulation, covering your water heater with an insulated "jacket" ($17-$20) will keep costs down, especially if your heater is in an unheated place like a garage. Also, wrap water pipes ($1-$5 per 5-foot section) when possible, especially when they run through uninsulated areas.

Winterize windows. If you can't afford storm windows, put plastic film on those windows ($6 covers three windows) where a clear view isn't crucial, which will curb drafts and keep windows from rattling.

Buy a low-flow shower head. A water-efficient shower head (often less than $20) can use 25% to 50% less hot water, saving both on water and power bills, with little to no reduction in user satisfaction, says Prindle.

Buy a smart thermostat. If you're the kind of person who forgets to turn the temperature down at night and before work, but who doesn't mind programming things like the TV remote control, a "smart" thermostat ($50-$100) can be set to change the temperature for you.

Keep your furnace in shape. "It's amazing how often a heating or air conditioning unit stops working because a $3 or $15 air filter is clogged," says Sachs. Replace the air filter ($4-$16) according to manufacturer's directions and your heating system will operate more efficiently. Oil-fired boilers should be cleaned and tuned annually, and gas systems, every two years($100-$125). By maintaining your heating unit, you can save between 3% and 10% on heating bills, says ACEEE.

Look for other insulation opportunities. Some well-placed insulation, especially in the attic of older homes, can save a bundle ($7-$16, in rolls from 22-32 feet, depending on insulation value).

CANNOLI

5 QUESTION FRIDAY

2008-10-03T05:31:00.002-05:00

Here it is 5 question Friday and lets see what I can come up with.....

1. What is your favorite Halloween candy?
I would have to say anything but candies with coconut in them....

2. What is your favorite thing about Autumn"
That's easy Halloweem.....lol

3. What is are you looking forward to this weekend????
Anything, that keeps me away from work.....lol

4. Your favorite thing that you did in the past week?
That is easy, I went to Prarie Peddler which is a craft show with homemade items such as candles, fudge and such....

5. The last thing you ate?????
That would be the bacon and chesse bagels for dinner last night....

CANNOLI

THANKFUL THURSDAY

2008-10-02T06:31:00.001-05:00

I am again so Thankful for my mother this week. We have our moments and we are not as close as I would hope and want to be....but that is another story. I think she forgets that I am married, the mother of two children and in my forties....I AM GROWN UP believe it or not..

She married my dad when she was 17 years old and then had me at age 19, the first of 4 children. She didn't finish school, but is very smart especially in the math area...They raised the 4 of us and we survived with out going to jail, doing drugs and being good people,,,,,

My mom and dad did the best for us and I think even better for the grandchildren....lol

My mom has asthma, a heart mummer, rheumatory arthritis , and also has emphysema's. (She was diagnosed about 14 years ago) She has a port in her chest to help with treatments that she receives monthly to help build up her immune system to keep her healthy....to say she is healthy is not true.....

On Monday, she will be having surgery to remove on her back a mass that covers 5 of her vertebrae on her spine . The room has been reserved in her name for 5 and a half hours....please say a prayer for her and our family during this time....

MOM I LOVE YOU AND WISH I COULD BE THERE*****...I will be holding my breath until you are out of the surgery and hear that you are okay. I LOVE YOU

CANNOLI

*****UPDATE: I am trying to be there in the morning or afternoon...not sure which one but am trying......

WORDLESS WEDNESDAY

2008-10-01T05:36:00.002-05:00

CANNOLI

RECIPE TUESDAY

2008-09-30T05:32:00.002-05:00

In honor of the Rosh Hashanah, I have included two recipes for a sweet New Year....so enjoy....

Honey Cake

3 eggs
1 1/3 cups honey
1 1/2 cups sugar
1 cup black coffee
2 tablespoons baking powder
3 tablespoons margarine
1 teaspoon baking soda
4 cups sifted flour
1 teaspoon cinnamon

Pre-heat the oven to 350. Grease and flour a pan with sifted flour.
In a mixer beat eggs and honey. Add sugar and continue beating. In a separate bowl mix coffee and baking powder and add it to the egg mixture. Add margarine, baking soda, flour and cinnamon. Mix well. Pour batter into the pan and bake it for 1 hour.

CANDY APPLES

10 small red apples
2 cups sugar
1/2 cup corn syrup
3/4 cup water
8 drops red food coloring

You will also need:
10 barbecue skewers
Wash and dry the apples. Put each one on a skewer. Mix sugar, corn syrup and water in a pot and heat it on a medium fire until the sugar melts. When it starts to boil, add the food coloring. Let it boil without stirring for 20 minutes, until it gets to 160ºC (use a special thermometer for this). Remove it from the fire.
Dip the apples, one at a time in this mixture. Turn the apples around so that the mixture should cover the apples completely. Set aside with the stick upward to let it cool completely

CANNOLI

Rosh Hashanah.5769

2008-09-29T05:29:00.000-05:00

This evening, I will be celebrating Rosh Hashanah. So in honor of this occasion, I have copied information so that my non-jewish friends wil understand what I am feeling during this holiday.

New Year's day is for us Jews not a time for frivolous rejoicing, but rather a solemn day of prayer. It is the Day of Memorial when all creatures of the earth are remembered by the Creator and judged according to their merits.

Yet, solemn and awe-inspiring though this day is, we know that the Supreme judge of the universe is kind and merciful. He is not out to punish us, but merely wants us to follow the laws and regulations He laid down for us for our own good. He has made this Day of Judgment a day of forgiveness and mercy.

During the month of Elul the Jew is particularly careful in the observance of the religious precepts --he takes more time for his prayers, he finds himself overflowing with charity and loving kindness, and resolutely determines to cast away his evil ways and habits of the past.

And a wonderful feeling grips the heart of the true repenter, as if a magic hand has removed the heavy burden that has been weighing upon it in the past.

Such is the feeling that the Jew brings with him into the synagogue on the first night of Rosh Hashanah. He finds himself close to G-d, with his prayers pouring out from the very depth of his heart.
The shofar is a ram's horn which is blown somewhat like a trumpet. One of the most important observances of this holiday is hearing the sounding of the shofar in the synagogue. A total of 100 notes are sounded each day. There are four different types of shofar notes: tekiah, a 3 second sustained note; shevarim, three 1-second notes rising in tone, teruah, a series of short, staccato notes extending over a period of about 3 seconds; and tekiah gedolah (literally, "big tekiah"), the final blast in a set, which lasts (I think) 10 seconds minimum. Click the shofar above to hear an approximation of the sound of Tekiah Shevarim-Teruah Tekiah. The Bible gives no specific reason for this practice. One that has been suggested is that the shofar's sound is a call to repentance. The shofar is not blown if the holiday falls on Shabbat.

No work is permitted on Rosh Hashanah. Much of the day is spent in synagogue, where the regular daily liturgy is somewhat expanded. In fact, there is a special prayerbook called the machzor used for Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur because of the extensive liturgical changes for these holidays.

Another popular observance during this holiday is eating apples dipped in honey, a symbol of our wish for a sweet new year. This was the second Jewish religious practice I was ever exposed to (the first one: lighting Chanukkah candles), and I highly recommend it. It's yummy. We also dip bread in honey (instead of the usual practice of sprinkling salt on it) at this time of year for the same reason.

Another popular practice of the holiday is Tashlikh ("casting off"). We walk to flowing water, such as a creek or river, on the afternoon of the first day and empty our pockets into the river, symbolically casting off our sins. Small pieces of bread are commonly put in the pocket to cast off. This practice is not discussed in the Bible, but is a long-standing custom. Tashlikh is normally observed on the afternoon of the first day, before afternoon services. When the first day occurs on Shabbat, many synagogues observe Tashlikh on Sunday afternoon, to avoid carrying (the bread) on Shabbat

The common greeting at this time is L'shanah tovah ("for a good year").
CANNOLI

LORI'S WEDDING DRESS

2008-09-28T06:56:00.002-05:00

On October 17 I will be participating in the running of the dresses for my cousin. She will be getting married next summer and we will be looking for a dress....here is what we will be doing if you have never heard or participated in this wedding dress shopping experience...

Filene’s Basement has occasionally sold wedding gowns ever since the store first opened in 1908. Through press coverage and letters from customers, we determined that a special one-day wedding gown event was held as early as 1947, although it was probably a little tamer than the sale is today.

How many gowns are there?
Anywhere from 1300 to 2500, depending on the store.

How much do they cost?
$249, $499 and $699.

What were the original prices?
$900 to $9,000 plus—Gowns bought from other retailers usually have the original price tags attached, so customers can see the savings instantly.

What labels do you carry?
Filene’s Basement carries some of the most famous labels in the wedding gown industry. Because we sell these gowns at such a huge discount, we have an agreement with our vendors that we will not advertise the names. What we can say, though, is that these are designers and brands you see featured in all the big bridal magazines.

Where does Filene’s Basement get the gowns?
We get them from bridal gown manufacturers and from bridal salons and boutiques. Our buyer has developed great contacts in the wedding gown industry, both in the United States and in Europe. Dresses become available for a variety of reasons-- a cancelled order, a cancelled wedding, a small shop needing to make space for new gowns, and so on. We buy nothing ‘sight unseen.’ The buyer travels to where the gowns are, and hand picks the best ones.

All I have to say is wish me luck....LOL
CANNOLI

SATURDAY MUSING

2008-09-27T07:08:00.001-05:00

I copied this from my brothers blog....it is about a game we play and it is very competed....

We started a game with Morgan called “Yellow Cars”. Here is the object. You see a yellow car ( motorcycle, bicycle, or bus, truck) and call it first you get a point. Then it started to include slug bug (punch buggies as my wife calls them) they are the Volkswagen bug. Then one of my niece's started calling “PT Cruiser your a looser”.
Here are the original rules.****

you must be in the car to call any of them.
you get one point per item. So if you see a yellow slug bug you get 2 points.
If someone is on the phone all play stops.
Here are the added rules by one of my sisters and her family. I personally do not follow these rules but feel free to follow whatever rules you want.

If the car is at home, meaning it is parked there all the time you cannot call it..

If you see 4 cars of the same color in a row you can call it and get 4 points.****

If you see a “party plate” (drunk driver plates) before anyone else they loose all lose one point.

If you call the wrong thing you loose all your points. You can go into negative numbers.

***NOTE: If you see a yellow convertible in either of those colors you get 3 points instead of 1 point.

****NOTE: We play were the 4 cars need to be red and it is worth 5 points...

Now I have the rules in writing....watch out.....
CANNOLI

5 QUESTION FRIDAY

2008-09-26T04:18:00.001-05:00

Here it is again the questions you cant live with out about myself so here goes.....

1. Your favorite time period you would like to live in?
I think it would be during the King Arthur period with Merlin....

2. Your favorite country (outside of the United States) you would love to visit?
That would be England....

3. Your top television show right now?
That is hard I have so many but if I had to chose it would be....ER

4. Your favorite season?
Again, very easy it is fall...

5. If you look around right now what color do you see the most of????
That is orange for my Halloween decorations.....

Have a great day......
CANNOLI

THANKSGIVING THURSDAY

2008-09-25T07:20:00.000-05:00

I am thankful for a lot of things in my life.....so this week I will just say g-d has blessed me with family and friends....I really cant even put it into words, so I won't....lol

Next week it is Rosh Hashana the Jewish new year....with that in mind I
want to wish all my friends and family a wonderful L'Shanah Tovah.....

CANNOLI

WORDLESS WEDNESDAY

2008-09-24T06:04:00.002-05:00

CANNOLI

TUESDAY RECIPES

2008-09-23T06:00:00.003-05:00

Today is recipe Tuesday and I'm in the mood for deserts, yeah like I can have this....but I hope you enjoy two of my favorite dishes.....

BETTER THAN ROBERT REDFORD

Ingredients:
***Crust**8
1 cup flour
1 cup pecans, chopped
1 stick butter, softened

***1st layer**8
1 (8-oz) pkg. cream cheese, softened
1 cup powdered sugar
1 cup Cool Whip

**2nd layer***
1 small package instant vanilla pudding
1 small package instant chocolate pudding
2 cups milk

***Topping***
1 cup Cool Whip
2 Hershey bars, grated

Directions:

Preheat oven to 350. Mix crust ingredients, spread on bottom of an 8x12 baking dish. Bake for 25 minutes. Cool thoroughly. Mix the ingredients for the 1st layer, and spoon on top of crust. Mix the ingredients for the 2nd layer, and spoon on top of 1st layer. Top with a thin layer of Cool Whip, and garnish with grated Hershey bar. Refrigerate and cut into squares.

Better Indoor S'Mores
serves/makes 2 dozen

Ingredients:
8 cups Golden Grahams Cereal
6 cups miniature marshmallows
1 1/2 cup milk chocolate chips
5 tablespoons margarine/butter
1 teaspoon vanilla

Directions:

Melt 5 cups marshmallows, chocolate chips, and butter in a 3-quart saucepan on low heat. Stir occasionally. Remove from heat and stir in vanilla. Measure cereal in a large bowl.

Butter a 13x9" pan. Pour mixture over cereal stir until coated. Stir in last of marshmallows. Press in pan. Let stand until firm. Store loosely covered.

Again, enjoy your selves.......
CANNOLI

SUNDAY THINKING......

2008-09-21T18:15:00.001-05:00

Today is a day of relecting on many aspects of my life....I wish I could say more but with it having some of it having to do with my job and I have friends that I work with and connect with, that I feel I need to keep that part to myself...

So, I hope things can get better with myself and I can better

CANNOLI

WEIGH IN SATURDAY

2008-09-20T18:04:00.000-05:00

Well today is weigh in day and I have to become more accountable for my weight loss program.....last week, I didn't even post what happen with my weight. I did lose but it was only .08......that was not exactly what I wanted to hear....but I thought to my self I can do better the next week....

Today was the next week.....I can say I lost with pride 2.6 pounds for a grand total of 18 pounds.....yeah me.....

Now in 3 weeks it will be 16 weeks that I have been on wieght watc*hers and I need to lose 10 more pounds, which will put at 10% body weight lose....so I need my weight lose fairies to step it up a notch.....lol so I need to get busy, please wish me luck thanks
CANNOLI

5 QUESTION FRIDAY

2008-09-19T17:58:00.000-05:00

Would you rather...

1: eat nothing but chocolate or go without chocolate for the rest of your life?
I could go without chocolate, but I do like dark chocolate

2: stub your toe or get a paper cut?
Its been a while since I had stubbed my toe so lets go with a paper cut....

3: write the news or make the news?
I would like to make the news due to winning the lottery, (wouldn't we all)

4: lose 10 pounds or gain 10 IQ points?
I would like to gain 10 IQ points as I am losing weight

5: wear a costume to work or wear normal clothes to a Halloween party?
I work at a daycare so wearing a costume would be okay so that is what I am going with....

HAVE A GREAT FRIDAY

CANNOLI

THANKFUL THURSDAY

2008-09-18T20:14:00.003-05:00

Today was daughter's #2 last soccer game for the season.....I am thankful for her coaches There are 3 coaches on her team and we have been a team for the past 4 years....

It is great that they give their time and knowledge to pass on to my daughter and her teammates...as I have no clue what or how to play soccer....

One of their sayings that they teach the girls are we win as a team and lose at a time....which is a great saying....

So in the end they lost 9 to 6, they were leading several times during the game....but they have gained a lot of experience over the past years of winning and loosing and with that I and the other parents are thankful....

CANNOLI

WORDLESS WEDNESDAY

2008-09-17T05:32:00.001-05:00

CANNOLI

RECIPE TUESDAY

2008-09-16T06:33:00.003-05:00

Buffalo Chicken Wing Soup

Love buffalo chicken wings? This easy crock pot recipe has the same zippy flavor. This spicy chicken soup recipe is very popular with friends and family. It's bound to receive compliments.

6 cups milk
3 cans (10-3/4 ounces) condensed cream of chicken soup, undiluted
3 cups shredded cooked chicken (about 1 pound)
1 cup (8 ounces) sour cream
1/4 to 1/2 cup hot pepper sauce
Combine all ingredients in a crock pot. Cover and cook on low for 4 - 5 hours.
Yield 8 servings (2 quarts

Ground Beef Stew

Looking for something inexpensive and easy to make? Low fat crock pot recipes like this are a cinch to make. The thick and hearty mixture is chock-full of ground beef, potatoes and baby carrots. This is a healthy crock pot meal bound to receive compliments.

1 pound ground beef
6 medium potatoes, peeled and cubed
1 package baby carrots
3 cups water
1 envelope dry onion soup mix
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
1 to 1-1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon pepper
1 can (10-3/4 ounces) condensed tomato soup, undiluted
1 can (6 ounces) Italian tomato paste
In a skillet, cook beef over medium heat until no longer pink; drain well. In a crock pot, combine the next 8 ingredients.

Stir in the beef. Cover and cook on high for 4-5 hours. Stir in soup and tomato paste; cover and cook for 1 hour or until heated through.

Yield 12 servings

And lastly, in honor of my friend Linda here is a vegetarian recipe for you,

r
Red Bean Vegetarian Crock Pot Soup

The addition of Cajun seasoning boosts the flavor of this savory crock pot soup. This healthy crock pot recipe makes a big batch that's loaded with vegetable chunks and canned beans. Low fat crock pot recipes like this are always a hit!

3 celery ribs, chopped
2 medium onions, peeled and chopped
2 cans (14.5 ounces each) diced tomatoes
4 cans (16 ounces each) red kidney beans, rinsed and drained
4 cups chicken broth
2 bay leaves
1/2 to 1 teaspoon salt
1/2 to 1 teaspoon Cajun seasoning
1/2 teaspoon pepper
1/2 teaspoon hot pepper sauce

In a 5 quart crock pot, combine the celery, onions, tomatoes and beans. Stir in the remaining ingredients. Cover and cook on low for 6 hours or until the vegetables are tender. Discard bay leaves before serving.

CANNOLI

MAKING SURE YOUR REGISTERED TO VOTE

2008-09-15T05:48:00.002-05:00

I think it's so important that we not forget our history. This is just for women's rights- if you're a minority, your right to vote was fought for all the more. Additionally, consider all of the people around the world that do not have the right to vote even today. It is SO important that we exercise this right and honor it's history. If you're a woman born in the United States, you're already one of the luckiest women in the world.

This is the story of our Grandmothers, and Great-grandmothers, as theY lived only 90 years ago.

It was not until 1920 that women were granted the right to go to the
polls and vote.

The women who made it so were innocent and defenseless. And by the
end of the night, they were barely alive.

Forty prison guards wielding clubs and their warden's blessing went
on a rampage against the 33 women wrongly convicted of 'obstructing sidewalk
traffic.

They beat Lucy Burn, chained her hands to the cell bars above her
head and left her hanging for the night, bleeding and gasping for air. They
hurled Dora Lewis into a dark cell, smashed her head against an iron bed and
knocked her out cold. Her cellmate, Alice Cosu, thought Lewis was dead and
suffered a heart attack. Additional affidavits describe the guards grabbing,
dragging, beating, choking, slamming, pinching, twisting and kicking the
women.

Thus unfolded the 'Night of Terror' on Nov. 15, 1917, when the
warden at the Occoquan Workhouse in Virginia ordered his guards to teach a
lesson to the suffragists imprisoned there because they dared to picket
Woodrow Wilson's White House for the right to vote.

For weeks, the women's only water came from an open pail. Their
food -- all of it colorless slop--was infested with worms. When one of the
leaders, Alice Paul, embarked on a hunger strike, they tied her to a chair,
forced a tube down her throat and Poured liquid into her until she vomited.
She was tortured like this for weeks until word was smuggled out to the
press.

So, refresh my memory. Some women won't vote this year because --
why, exactly? We have carpool duties? We have to get to work? Our vote
doesn't matter? It's raining?

PLEASE MAKE SURE YOU ARE REGISTERED TO VOTE FOR OUR COUNTRY.....TIME IS RUNNING OUT AND YOU WILL NOT BE ABLE TO VOTE IN OUR NEXT ELECTION.....

CANNOLI

MEDICINAL M&M'S

2008-09-14T13:34:00.000-05:00

MEDICINAL M&M'S

The Woman's Survival Kit
At the first sign of hot flashes eat the RED one.
Eat the ORANGE one to minimize depression.
The GREEN one calms your frustrations, when you want to be left alone.
If you feel a headache coming on eat the PURPLE one.
The BLUE one reduces bloating.
You can eat the BROWN ones ANYTIME they're chocolate, ya know!!
If all symptoms occur at the same time,

Eat the WHOLE DANG BAG -- (at the same time)!!! CANNOLI

A JOKE FOR YOU

2008-09-14T08:14:00.000-05:00

Can you solve this puzzle?
You are riding on a beautiful white horse.
On your left side is a drop off.
On your right side are several ostriches being chased by a lion.
In front of you are four large gazelles that won't get out of your way, and you can't seem to overtake them.
Behind you is a stampede of horses.
What must you do to get out of this highly dangerous situation?

scroll down for the answer

* Get your butt off the merry go-round *
CANNOLI

BOOK REVIEW

2008-09-13T21:25:00.003-05:00

Twilight is told by 17-year-old Bella Swan, who moves from Phoenix to the small town of Forks, Washington, to live with her dad for the remainder of high school. There, she meets Edward Cullen and his family, who possess an other-worldly and irresistible beauty and grace to which Bella is drawn. Twilight is the tale of Bella and Edward's burgeoning relationship, brimming with standard teenage drama alongside the unexpected, because, after all, Edward and his family are vampires. These undead friends have chosen to deny their urge to drink human blood, instead slaking their thirst with the blood of animals. Bella soon finds out, however, that not all vampires in her life are constrained by such scruples.

So in honor of the movie coming out, I have added a Twilight countdown to the movie and let me tell you I WILL BE SEEING THIS MOVIE AND I CAN'T WAIT.....

I read this book in 3 days and that included working......so if you are into vampires and teenage drama check it out.....
CANNOLI

5 QUESTION FRIDAY

2008-09-12T05:45:00.006-05:00

Summer Lovin'

Tell me more, tell me more...

1. Did you get very far? What's the farthest away from home you've gone on a summer vacation?
The farthermost away I have been is Hawaii

2. Like does he have a car? What car would you like to have for the summer?
I would like a red PT Cruiser Convertible

3. Was it love at first sight? Have you ever felt love at first sight?
Yes, I was young.....

4. Did she put up a fight? What was the last fight you had about?
With my daughter #2, about getting up for school yeah me!!!!!

5. But you don't gotta brag. What accomplishment or talent are you most proud of?
I am very proud of my blog, I try to find interesting recipes, photo's, and different subjects to keep you and myself entertained for hours.....

CANNOLI

THANKFUL THURSDAY

2008-09-11T18:26:00.006-05:00

It has been 7 years since that tragic day that has changed our life's as we know it...

so in honor of Thankful Thursday, I am very thankful for living in this beautiful country that we call America...

I would like to thank all the people who had lost their lives that day and their families. That was almost 3,000 people. I would also like to thank all of our service personnel who protect our country here and abroad. I am very thankful for you all....G-D BLESS EACH AND EVERY ONE OF YOU FOR EVERYTHING YOU DO

TWO THOUSAND ONE, NINE ELEVEN (2001-911)

Two thousand one, nine eleven
Three thousand plus arrive in heaven
As they pass through the gate,
Thousands more appear in wait
A bearded man with stovepipe hat
Steps forward saying, "Lets sit, lets chat"

They settle down in seats of clouds
A man named Martin shouts out proud
"I have a dream!" and once he did
The Newcomer said, "Your dream still lives."

Groups of soldiers in blue and gray
Others in khaki, and green then say
"We're from Bull Run, Yorktown, the Maine"
The Newcomer said, "You died not in vain."

From a man on sticks one could hear
"The only thing we have to fear.
The Newcomer said, "We know the rest,
Trust us sir, we've passed that test."

"Courage doesn't hide in caves
You can't bury freedom, in a grave,"
The Newcomers had heard this voice before
A distinct Yankees twang from Hyannisport shOres

A silence fell within the mist
Somehow the Newcomer knew that this
Meant time had come for her to say
What was! In the hearts of the five thousand plus that day

"Back on Earth, we wrote reports,
Watched our children play in sports
Worked our gardens, sang our songs
Went to church and clipped coupons
We smiled, we laughed, we cried, we fought
Unlike you, great we're not"

The tall man in the stovepipe hat
Stood and said, "Don't talk like that!
Look at your country, look and see
You died for freedom, just like me"

Then, before them all appeared a scene
Of rubbled streets and twisted beams
Death, destruction, smoke and dust
And people working just 'cause they must

Hauling ash, lifting stones,
Knee deep in hell, but not alone
"Look! Blackman, Whiteman, Brownman, Yellowman
Side by side helping their fellow man!"

So said Martin, as he watched the scene
"Even from nightmares, can be born a dream."

Down below three firemen raised
The colors high into ashen haze
The soldiers above had seen it before
On IwoJima back in '45

The man on sticks studied everything closely
Then shared his perceptions on what he saw mostly
"I see pain, I see tears,
I see sorrow -- but I don't see fear."

"You left behind husbands and wives
Daughters and sons and so many lives
Are suffering now because of this wrong
But look very closely. You're not really gone.

All of those people, even those who've never met you
All of their lives, they'll never forget you
Don't you see what has happened?
Don't you see what you've done?
You've brought them together, together as one.

With that the man in the stovepipe hat said
"Take my hand," and from there he led
Three thousand plus heroes, Newcomers to heaven
On this day, two thousand one, nine eleven

Author UNKNOWN (What a shame!)

CANNOLI

WORDLESS WEDNESDAY

2008-09-10T07:06:00.002-05:00

Create your own family sticker graphic at pYzam.com

CANNOLI

RECIPE TUESDAY

2008-09-09T18:30:00.003-05:00

In honor of fall being here soon......here is a few recipes

POTATO SOUP

Ingredients:

4 to 5 cups cubed potatoes, about 3 pounds
1 can cheddar cheese soup
1 can cream of celery soup
1 soup can water
2 teaspoons chicken bouillon granules - I used Wylers Shakers chicken garlic herb flavor
6 to 8 slices cooked bacon, diced
1/4 cup finely chopped red bell pepper or use 2 tablespoons chopped pimiento
1 cup chopped green onion, with much of the green
Dash ground black pepper
1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
dash thyme

Preparation:

Combine in crock pot the cubed potatoes, soups, water, bouillon, bacon, bell pepper, and green onion and pepper. Cover and cook on low heat for 7 to 9 hours. Add parsley and thyme for the last hour of cooking time.
Potato soup serves 4.

Beer Cheese Soup

Ingredients:

1/2 cup butter
3 cups chicken broth
1 tbsp. Worcestershire sauce
1/2 cup fresh chopped chives or 2 to 3 tablespoons frozen chopped chives
1 c. flour
16 oz. Cheez Whiz
3/4 cup beer, or use non-alcohol beer
1 1/2 c. cream

Preparation:

Melt butter; stir in flour. Add broth, stirring constantly, until thick, then add to butter mixture. Remove from heat; add remaining ingredients, except cream. Cook on low in slow cooker 4 to 6 hours; add cream the last 20 minutes.

ENJOY!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

CANNOLI

AUTUMN FEELINGS

2008-09-07T05:16:00.000-05:00

I am getting excited about Autumn, so I hope you are to so enjoy.....

Autumn Poems and Fall Poems
Celebrate Autumn and have some fun with poems and quotes about the bright colors of the fall and cool, crisp weather!

Autumn days are here again!

In autumn when the trees are brown
The little leaves come tumbling down
They do not make the slightest sound
But lie so quietly on the ground
Until the wind comes puffing by
And blows them off towards the sky.

The winds will blow their own freshness into you,
and the storms their energy,
while cares will drop away from you
like the leaves of Autumn.

Fall poem by John Muir

Pretty Leaves
Pretty leaves are falling down,
Green, orange, yellow and brown.
Here comes one colored red,
It landed on my head.

Pumpkins in the cornfields
Gold among the brown
Leaves of rust and scarlet
Trembling slowly down
Birds that travel southward
Lovely time to play
Nothing is as pleasant
As an autumn day!

No spring nor summer beauty hath such grace
as I have seen in one autumnal face

Autumn quote by John Donne

When autumn wind goes running
It does some magic things.
It gives the shadows dancing shoes
It gives the bright leaves wings
When autumn wind goes running

It curls the bonfire's tail of smoke
And shares a little whispered joke
With cornstalks who delight to prattle
It turns a seed pod into a rattle
When autumn wind goes running

Leaves in the Fall come tumbling down,
Scarlet and yellow, russet and brown,
Leaves in the garden are swept in a heap,
The trees are ready for sleep.

A fallen leaf is nothing more
than a summers wave good bye

Holiday Home

CANNOLI

WEIGH IN SATURDAY

2008-09-06T20:17:00.000-05:00

Today was weigh in day and I can say I am having a hard time with weight watchers I gained a pound this week and I have no excuse....I should say not weigh twatchers but I think I need some help on motivating me....

I am getting very depressed over this situation and for the next 6 weeks I need to lose 2 pounds a week.. Weight Watchers in the Lose for Good™ campaign. For every pound lost, Weight Watchers will donate the cost of one pound of food, between Sept 7th and October 18th.. up to a million dollars....

So if you have any ideas....please let me know as I would love to lose 8 pounds by the end of that time period....thanks for you support

CANNOLI

A TRUE STORY

2008-09-05T05:37:00.000-05:00

A GIRL WITH AN APPLE - TRUE STORY
- A MUST READ....

A Girl with an Apple August 1942. Piotrkow, Poland. The sky was gloomy that morning as we waited anxiously. All the men, women and children of Piotrkow's Jewish ghetto had been herded into a square. Word had gotten around that we were being moved. My father had only recently died from typhus, which had run rampant through the crowded ghetto. My greatest fear was that our family would be separated. 'Whatever you do,' Isidore, my eldest brother, whispered to me,'don't tell them your age. Say you're sixteen.'

I was tall for a boy of 11, so I could pull it off. That way I might be deemed valuable as a worker. An SS man approached me, boots clicking against the cobblestones. He looked me up and down, then asked my age. 'Sixteen,'I said. He directed me to the left, where my three brothers and other healthy young men already stood.

My mother was motioned to the right with the other women, children,sick and elderly people. I whispered to Isidore, 'Why?' He didn't answer. I ran to Mama's side and said I wanted to stay with her. 'No,'she said sternly. 'Get away. Don't be a nuisance. Go with your brothers.' She had never spoken so harshly before. But I understood: She was protecting me. She loved me so much that, just this once, she pretended not to. It was the last I ever saw of her.

My brothers and I were transported in a cattle car to Germany . We arrived
at the Buchenwald concentration camp one night weeks later and were led into a crowded barrack. The next day, we were issued uniforms and identification numbers. 'Don't call me Herman anymore.' I said to my brothers. 'Call me 94983.'

I was put to work in the camp's crematorium, loading the dead into
a hand-cranked elevator. I, too, felt dead. Hardened, I had become a number.
Soon, my brothers and I were sent to Schlieben, one of Buchenwald's
sub-camps near Berlin.

One morning I thought I heard my mother's voice,'Son,' she said softly but
clearly, I am going to send you an angel.' Then I woke up. Just a dream. A
beautiful dream. But in this place there could be no angels. There was only
work. And hunger. And fear.

A couple of days later, I was walking around the camp, around the barracks, near the barbed-wire fence where the guards could not easily see. I was alone. On the other side of the fence, I spotted someone: a little girl with light, almost luminous curls. She was half-hidden behind a birch tree. I glanced around to make sure no one saw me. I called to her softly in German. 'Do you have something to eat?' She didn't understand. I inched closer to the fence and repeated the question in Polish. She stepped forward. I was thin and gaunt, with rags wrapped around my feet, but the girl looked unafraid. In her eyes, I saw life. She pulled an apple from her woolen jacket and threw it over the fence. I grabbed the fruit and, as I started to run away, I heard her say faintly, 'I'll see you tomorrow.'

I returned to the same spot by the fence at the same time every day. She was always there with something for me to eat - a hunk of bread or, better yet, an apple. We didn't dare speak or linger. To be caught would mean death for us both. I didn't know anything about her, just a kind farm girl, except that she understood Polish. What was her name? Why was she risking her life for me? Hope was in such short supply, and this girl on the other side of the fence gave me some, as nourishing in its way as the bread and apples.

Nearly seven months later, my brothers and I were crammed into a coal car and shipped to Theresienstadt camp in Czechoslovakia. 'Don't return,' I told the girl that day. 'We're leaving.' I turned toward the barracks and didn't look back, didn't even say good-bye to the little girl whose name I'd never learned, the girl with the apples.

We were in Theresienstadt for three months. The war was winding down and Allied forces were closing in, yet my fate seemed sealed. On May 10, 1945, I was scheduled to die in the gas chamber at 10:00 AM. In the quiet of dawn, tried to prepare myself. So many times death seemed ready to claim me, but somehow I'd survived. Now, it was over. I thought of my parents. At least, I thought, we will be reunited.

But at 8 A.M. there was a commotion. I heard shouts, and saw people running every which way through camp. I caught up with my brothers. Russian troops had liberated the camp! The gates swung open. Everyone was running, so I did too. Amazingly, all of my brothers had survived; I'm not sure how. But I knew that the girl with the apples had been the key to my survival. In a place where evil seemed triumphant, one person's goodness had saved my life, had given me hope in a place where there was none. My mother had promised to send me an angel, and the angel had come.

Eventually I made my way to England where I was sponsored by a Jewish charity, put up in a hostel with other boys who had survived the Holocaust and trained in electronics.

Then I came to America , where my brother Sam had already moved. I served in the U. S. Army during the Korean War, and returned to New York City after two years. By August 1957 I'd opened my own electronics repair shop. I was starting to settle in.

One day, my friend Sid who I knew from England called me. 'I've got a date.
She's got a Polish friend. Let's double date.' A blind date? Nah, that
wasn't for me. But Sid kept pestering me, and a few days later we headed up
to the Bronx to pick up his date and her friend Roma. I had to admit, for a
blind date this wasn't so bad. Roma was a nurse at a Bronx hospital. She was kind and smart. Beautiful, too, with swirling brown curls and green,
almond-shaped eyes that sparkled with life.

The four of us drove out to Coney Island. Roma was easy to talk to,easy to be with. Turned out she was wary of blind dates too! We were both just doing our friends a favor. We took a stroll on the boardwalk, enjoying the salty Atlantic breeze, and then had dinner by the shore. I couldn't remember having a better time.

We piled back into Sid's car, Roma and I sharing the backseat. As European Jews who had survived the war, we were aware that much had been left unsaid between us. She broached the subject, 'Where were you,' she
asked softly, 'during the war?' 'The camps,' I said, the terrible memories
still vivid, the irreparable loss. I had tried to forget. But you can never
forget.

She nodded. 'My family was hiding on a farm in Germany, not far from
Berlin ,' she told me. 'My father knew a priest, and he got us Aryan
papers.' I imagined how she must have suffered too, fear, a constant
companion. And yet here we were, both survivors, in a new world.

'There was a camp next to the farm.' Roma continued. 'I saw a boy there and I would throw him apples every day.' What an amazing coincidence that she had helped some other boy. 'What did he look like? I asked. 'He was tall,
skinny, and hungry. I must have seen him every day for six months.' My heart was racing. I couldn't believe it. This couldn't be. 'Did he tell you one
day not to come back because he was leaving Schlieben?' Roma looked at me in amazement. 'Yes!' 'That was me! ' I was ready to burst with joy and awe, flooded with emotions. I couldn't believe it! My angel.

'I'm not letting you go.' I said to Roma. And in the back of the car on that blind date, I proposed to her. I didn't want to wait. 'You're crazy!' she said. But she invited me to meet her parents for Shabbat dinner the following week. There was so much I looked forward to learning about Roma, but the most important things I always knew: her steadfastness, her goodness. For many months, in the worst of circumstances, she had come to the fence and given me hope. Now that I'd found her again, I could never let her go. That day, she said yes. And I kept my word. After nearly 50 years of marriage, two children and three grandchildren, I have never let her go. Herman Rosenblat, Miami Beach, Florida

This is a true story and you can find out more by Googling Herman Rosenblat. He was Bar Mitzvahed at age 75. This story is being made into a movie called "The Fence."
CANNOLI

5 QUESTION FRIDAY

2008-09-05T05:18:00.000-05:00

Here is the list of 5 question Friday....

1. What is your favorite color?
RED....deep Red

2. What colors do you like to decorate with?
Reds, and greens and beige

3. Is there a color that you absolutely hate?
no, not really unless you say yellow and black, of course together(Steelers colors) (LOL)

4. Which colors look best on you?
Deep colors no pastels

5. Which colors do you wear most often?
Deep colors I try to stay away from pastels

CANNOLI