'Forward, the Light Brigade!'

Was there a man dismay'd?

Not tho' the soldiers knew

Some one had blunder'd:

Theirs not to make reply,

Theirs not to reason why,

Theirs but to do & die,

Into the valley of Death

Rode the six hundred.

Rest in peace, my friend...

Mom's Old-Fashioned Cornbread Dressing With My Twist

Mom's Old-Fashioned Cornbread Dressing (With Tam's Twist)

Preheat Oven to 425 for cornbread. Then put it on 325 for dressing.
Butter large baking dish- I use throw away pans with lids for family get-togethers- no dishes that way!!! lol I make my dressing up the night before, cover and refrigerate.
Ingredients:
Cornbread made from Yellow Cornmeal- (double recipe on back of bag to make 13x9 inch pan of cornbread- I use the recipe that calls for flour in cornbread.)
Bread Crumbs (5-6 pcs bread- white or wheat)
2 packs saltine crackers crushed
4-5 teaspoons Sage
2 tsp Thyme
Salt Pepper
1 cup salted butter
one large onion
6 stalks celery diced
2-3 dill pickles chopped fine
4 large eggs whisked
8-10 cups chicken broth or chicken bouillon ( I use half of each)
*Optional- you can cook the turkey giblets, chop up fine and add if you like.

Directions:
13x9 pan of cornbread- To Prepare Cornbread: just follow recipe on your yellow cornmeal bag. I double it for 13x9 pan.
*Helpful Hint- I add oil to the pan and heat it in oven until hot, then add my cornbread mix- this seals the bottom and keeps it from sticking to bottom too awfully bad.
Cool and crumble in large bowl. Add bread crumbs from five to six pieces of bread- wheat or white- don't care- up to you. Add two full packs of crushed saltines. Add salt and pepper to taste- add 4-5 teaspoons sage- more or less depending on your tasters, add one or two teaspoons of Thyme- toss or mix well and set aside.
 In sauce pan, melt 1 cup butter, saute until tender: one onion and five or six diced celery sticks, two finely-chopped dill pickles. Add to cornbread mix.
Add melted butter and let cool. Whisk 4 large eggs together and pour in. Add 8 cups of chicken broth- I use half chicken broth and half broth made from chicken bouillon. Mix well and add to buttered baking dish. Bake at 325 for a couple of hours or so- depends how brown you want it to be. Very tasty stuffing! Serves at least 12-15 people.

***Please Note: Mom's original Recipe does not call for bread, crackers, eggs, or Thyme. And she always used turkey giblets and a little of the broth from where she cooked the giblets.***

Black Friday Sale

We are having a Black Friday Sale at Greeting Card Universe! All cards are 50% off! 

Simply use code: BLACKFRIDAY2011 at checkout to receive your discount! 

This is an excellent way to stock up on birthday cards, employee anniversary cards, thinking of you cards, Christmas Cards, note cards or any other cards you might need next year! 

HUGE SAVINGS!!!!! 

Visit my shop today!

Nissan Juke

Well I finally got a new car at Nissan over the weekend . We purchased a Nissan Juke. Couldn't get over how cute the car was. Our Trailblazer was getting old and it was time to finally bite the bullet & get another vehicle. We took son car shopping and I hadn't planned on getting one for myself, but Steve said we would get one. I really like the Juke- it is as spunky as it is cute. Waiting to see what kind of gas mileage I end up getting and then I will post again on the subject.

Stress Relief

I think one of the hardest life-related tasks for anyone to learn is constructive stress relief. I refer to it as constructive because so many times people eat, drink, smoke, or partake in some other form of destructive habitual behavior to cope with stress. Many people today suffer from obesity, heart disease, high blood pressure and other illnesses or addictions because people do not learn to cope with stress in an active and positive manner. I, for instance, am as guilty as anyone. Just twelve short years ago, I was in great shape. I walked five miles a day and was at a healthy weight until I had several life-changing events happen. I got married, then  my husband had several life-threatening illnesses and major surgeries, my father-in-law passed away, both of my parents were battling cancer, my son began driving, then graduated from high school and started college, I left my job and was in college again, then I began experiencing marital problems- gosh, you name it and it was happening. I let myself get bogged down with all of the pressures and stress. I was heartbroken and depressed and began eating and smoking more (a lethal combination), then I began gaining weight and suddenly I was obese, had no energy, felt horrible, my blood-pressure began shooting up and I hated to go out in public.  After losing my Dad earlier this year, I began evaluating my health and bad habits and I decided that if I want to live long enough to see my grandchildren, then I needed to make some positive lifestyle changes. For my first plan of action, I decided to join weight watchers and have since lost almost twenty pounds. Losing weight has helped my energy level, so I began walking again. Not only can I see a huge difference in my attitude and energy level, but feelings of depression since my Mom and Dad's illnesses began six years ago, have started to subside. I can see how easily middle aged people like myself can fall into this trap. We are straddled with the pressures of mortgages, bills, work, kids, aging parents, marital problems, and for some, we are becoming empty nesters. The stress load is at an all-time high for us. So I think figuring out constructive ways to handle stress is a good idea. While many of my suggestions may seem a bit simple or unoriginal, they will help relieve some of the stressful problems that may be gnawing away at you!

1- EXERCISE- you'll be amazed at how much better you will feel just blowing off a little steam walking or lifting weights. If you don't like that- why not crank up the stereo and dance like an idiot- the way we all did in Jr. high or high school.

2- Get a support system! Grab a friend, buddy, family member, counselor, or anyone you feel comfortable talking to and unload!

3-What is your hobby? Do you like to paint, build model airplanes, fish, hunt, or play a sport? Then do it! You'll be amazed at how much better you will feel taking time out to do something you enjoy! Just lose yourself in it! Not only will you keep yourself out of the kitchen, but you may decide to try a new activity and actually stumble across a hidden talent or hobby you never knew you might like!

4- Do some of the jobs around your house that you have been procrastinating on! Clean out the drains and gutters, clear your house of clutter, rake leaves, get your garden ready for next year, whatever you can do to get yourself up off the couch and stay busy!

5-Try writing about your feelings- keep a journal or create a blog! Getting your thoughts and feelings out  helps relieve some of the stress and can lead to new ideas that may be lurking in the cobwebs of your creative mind!

6- Grab your partner and go out on the town- go dancing or see a movie- something you don't normally do together. Maybe a romantic walk on the beach or through the woods together will allow you some time to talk and bond with each other! Maybe you could tackle a fun week-end project together -like re-doing a bathroom, building a porch swing, just anything you might do to enjoy one another's company and improve an area of your home or yard at the same time. 

7-Sit down and make a list of all the things you like about your life and all of the things you would like to change about your life. Don't do this light-heartedly either! Keep it down to earth - identify those problem areas, then make a plan to start making positive changes! Take control of your life again! But do more than just put it on paper- commit just for two or three weeks and see if you don't feel some sense of accomplishment!

8-Pick a room in the house and make it yours! Create a space where you can go to de-stress! Make it lively or warm and inviting- the important part is to create a place where you can go to forget your troubles and cares and relax. Maybe do a little yoga or meditation and get away from all of the hustle and bustle of everyday life! How long has it been since you took a bath or soaked in the hot-tub? Pick just one hour in your day, light some candles, and enjoy a nice long bath or shower. Play a little music you enjoy and baby yourself again. 

While not all of these suggestions may be for you, maybe they will help invoke some thoughts about ways you would like to relieve stress. And if you have any suggestions for other ways people might be able to reduce stress and live a healthier, longer, and happier lifestyle, then share your thoughts and ideas in the comment section! You never know, you might help someone out there make a much needed and positive change!

Free Shipping at Greeting Card Universe

FREE SHIPPING when you order 5+ cards - use code 2011NOVSHIP5. Ends Nov. 7th. US only http://goo.gl/qmxED

Boot Scootin' Benefit

We attended the Boot Scootin' Benefit for Mountain Grove Non-Profit Charitable Organizations last night. Over $16,000 was raised and donated to local charitable organizations. They had a chuck wagon-style dinner with appetizers, wine, steak, baked potatoes, rolls and refreshments. I was a little humbled by the whole affair. The Downtown Association, which is one of the groups I'm a part of received a check for 1,000. from the group who did the fundraising for the affair. You'll have to forgive my ignorance, but I am terrible with names. One of the other recipients who received a 2000.00 donation was trying to give her speech and started crying, I was taken back a little by how much the donation meant for her organization. It was rather touching to say the least. She donates her own time, money, and dedication , plus opens her heart to unfortunate residents -mostly children to teach them how to play music. In turn, the people she offers free music lessons to, do charity work to help other unfortunate individuals with cleaning drains, doing yard work, etc for those who can no longer complete these tasks themselves. I had not heard of her efforts until last night, but definitely would like to help in her effort because I believe it is a good community program. I would like to help do some fundraising for her organization next year.  We listened to some pretty incredible music from her group last night, the age range was 3 to 65. Violins, cellos, clarinets, flutes, drums, you name it- they were excellent. This girl writes her own music so all of the people at any stage, from beginner to advanced, can play in the concerts. I will tell you, it was a humbling display of what charity is all about! While most people know I'm not a very social person and avoid many public events like the plague, I must say last night, I felt rather fortunate and privileged to be part of the occasion. It definitely renewed my faith in the goodness of mankind and inspired me to try to get more involved with other organizations and their efforts. So I guess my plea to readers today would be to get involved in your community and see what you can do to help others. Do you have a talent or knowledge that could help one of your local organizations to help people in your community? If so, why not get involved and do as the Good Lord intended, get involved in the bigger picture and mingle in your community a little. You never know whose lives you may touch, whose hearts you may open, or who you may inspire along the way.

Seat Belts Save Lives

Well son was in an accident last night. As a parent I believe that is one of your greatest fears, that a police officer will show up on your doorstep or you will get a call. I don't think anything really prepares you for that panic, fear, and shock that rushes through you when it does actually happen. You are on the verge of freaking out and falling apart, but you pray for help holding it together long enough to get there and be by their side. Actually,you spend a lot of time praying in the time it takes to get to that hospital. I spend a lot of time praying anyways for God to watch over them and make sure they are okay and that they are safe. I am just so relieved and thankful he is still here and okay. He was wearing his seat belt, so glad I always harped about how important it is to wear one. But even more glad and thankful God was looking out for him. Here is a link to the pictures of the wrecked car.
 http://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.2603819061330.151418.1430480379&type=1

Don't want anymore of those calls. I remember twenty years ago when DJ and I were together and his son Andy was in a wreck at 19- he was not wearing a seat belt and it was a very different outcome. Andy died  in a matter of a few hours. He was brain dead. In a few precious moments everything changed. Part of me felt like I was re-living the horror of that night all over again- very emotional. I am just so thankful my son is still here.
I know many people but don't like to wear seat belts, but they can really save a life. In this case, one saved my son,   so please stress the importance of wearing one to your own kids because tomorrow one could save your son or daughter.

Random Thoughts

My Mom had good health reports today! Hard to believe a doctor's visit could make one person so happy! But I was absolutely elated when I heard she was doing well and she was cancer-free! In January four years will have passed since she was first diagnosed with lung-cancer. She lost an entire lung, but since then she has had no other signs of cancer! She even gained three pounds since her last visit! This was the best news all year!  Losing Dad earlier this year to abdominal cancer has been tough on all of us, but I know he would have been so happy if he'd been there to hear she is still okay.
Aside from that happy news, I have lost nearly twenty pounds on Weight Watchers so far. I really like the Weight Watchers program because it is so easy to follow and I can still have all of the foods I enjoy. I just have to make sure I stay within my point range every week. I am learning most of the things I ate were actually not all that bad for me, I just needed to watch my portions a little more closely.
If anyone has a good recipe to pass along- please post and share with everyone! Or tell me how your diet program is working! What do you do for exercise? Do you have a fun way to exercise that makes it seem like it is not exercise? Share it here! We can all use pointers and fun tips!

Country Strong

Well if you haven't seen Country Strong with Gwyneth Paltrow, Tim McGraw, Garrett Hedlund, and Leighton Meester, then you are missing out. While the movie may not have received rave reviews from critics,  I'm  always game when it comes to hearing a good story! So, as you can imagine, I really didn't agree with most of the reviews I read about the movie.  To be honest, at first I found difficulty trying to imagine Gwyneth Paltrow in a country singer role, but to my surprise she didn't do half bad. She brought an interesting mix to the character and her struggles. She had to give her character a bit of a bad-girl/ party girl twist, but with Gwyneth, and her quiet, shy demeanor, she brought a natural elegance, charm, wisdom, and grace -reminiscent of Loretta Lynn and Emmy Lou to her character. Okay, so not when she was drunkenly romping in the sack with one of her financial investors, or when she was having her extramarital fling with rising-star Bo, but as with most problem drinkers and drug addicts, her character wasn't too concerned with morality issues while under the influence. She was drinking to forget, to cope and deal with the shit-life she was living. And well- let's face it, the oldies , but goodies like Loretta Lynn, and Tammy Wynette, are no strangers to the hardships and struggles in life. Tim McGraw, by the way, did an outstanding job playing the role of her supportive, yet blindly naive husband. His character stayed true to real life and how we sometime throw ourselves into work to over compensate those areas that are too painful to deal with. I also found his character believable because while a spouse can be supportive, he or she can fail to hear what the other person is trying to tell them. I am not sure if people do this to avoid uncertainty and truth or because many  are clinging to the false hope that tomorrow will bring a brighter and better day.  Bo, played by Garrett Hedlund, was also a very believable character. He offered salt-of-the-earth, down home charm and gave the audience a bit of stability necessary in any bad situation. He was a vision of strength and the best friend we all crave when things go wrong. And Leighton Meester's character as the wide-eyed, innocent yearning for fame and stardom, struck a chord in every little girl's heart who ever had a dream that she could taste so badly her stomach hurt. While this cast of character were an unlike group of individuals that I would have ever imagined in a film together, they added an interesting blend of heart and soulful appeal that worked quite well in this particular drama. So, simply ignore the critics, and take out some time to watch Country Strong. You'll enjoy it. Frankly speaking, when a critic gives a movie like Country Strong a bad review, I think it tells a little more about the critic and what values they place on mainstream popularity than taking the time out to stop and think about all of the hidden truths that lie inside the actions and script- you know- the bigger picture that tells a not so glorified story of human nature, of weakness and strength, of rejoice and regret and staying true to oneself. I hope you will give the movie a chance. Watch it more than once if you have to, but give it the time and attention it so richly deserves.
You can check out one of the movie trailers here if you like or

find Country Strong  on Amazon today!
While you're at it, hunt ole' Tim McGraw up on Amazon too! And just or the record- I think Garrett Hedlund did an awesome job on his vocals and to be honest I'm going to purchase the soundtrack or well- CD. But until then, I'll enjoy some of the small videos with Garrett Hedlund here!

Mexican Chicken Casserole Weight Watcher Point Friendly

Mexican Chicken Casserole

	2 breast(s) uncooked boneless skinless chicken breast, boil and shred
	2 tsp Taco Bell Home Originals Taco Seasoning Mix, add to chicken
	1 small raw onion, chopped fine
	2 cup(s) shredded fat-free cheddar cheese
	2 cup(s) canned tomatoes with green chilis
	2 cup(s) canned low-fat cream of mushroom soup, made with low-fat milk
	2 cup(s) Bush's Red Beans, rinsed and drained
	48 piece(s) Doritos Taco flavored tortilla chips, crushed

Instructions

In skillet, braise chicken, then shred, return shredded meat to skillet, add chopped onion and taco seasoning. Braise with a little water or chicken broth until onion is tender. Crush Doritos in 13x9pan, drain red beans and rinse, layer over dorito chips, add chicken mixture, mix 1 can of Rotel tomatoes with green chilies and Campbellls 98% fat free mushroom soup together, pour over top, top with cheese. Bake at 375 for 30 minutes. Let cool for 3-5 minutes. Cut in whatever portion size you might enjoy- I cut in 6 pieces which comes out to almost 10 points per serving Cut in 8 portions and enjoy a 7 point meal.  The entire recipe has 57 points, so divide by portions and enjoy!

Weight Watchers Works

Well, I've lost twelve pounds in fourteen days...guess Weight Watchers really does work! I am over forty and I feel great! The Points Plus plan is easy to follow and easy to keep track of! I purchased a cookbook today also. I like Weight Watchers because it is easier for me to stay on track and I can enjoy all of the foods I did before, just prepared a little differently and in smaller portions. If you want to lose weight and feel good again, give it a try- don't keep putting it off until tomorrow! Take control of your life today!
If you are on weight watchers and would like to share your stories- post a reply and inspire others! Have recipes to share? Share them here to help others stay on track!
I will be blogging more on the subject! So check back for more information and tips and tricks. Let's lose weight together!

Mumford and Sons - Thistles & Weeds

My Dad's Obituary

Earl Fleetwood

DRURY, Mo. -- Earl Fleetwood, 79, son of the late William Mack and Lola Pearl (Rackley) Fleetwood, was born on April 6, 1931, in Ozark County, Mo., and departed this life on Feb. 4, 2011, in the St. John's Regional Health Center, Springfield, Mo.

Earl grew up and attended school in Douglas County and was united in marriage to Doris Riley on Nov. 15, 1955, in Buckhart, Mo. Nine children were born to this union. The family moved to New Bavaria, Ohio, where Earl was employed by the Campbell Soup Company as a Double A maintenance/mechanic for over 33 years. He and Doris moved back to Douglas County in 1993, following his retirement.

Earl enjoyed being outdoors, especially when tending to his cattle, fishing and gardening. He also liked to watch sports on TV, play the fiddle and visit with his many friends and neighbors.

He was a loving and caring husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, brother and friend. He will be truly missed by those who knew and loved him.

Besides his parents, he was preceded in death by three sons-in-law, Archie Burns, Nick Contreras and Thomas Spence; five brothers, Jim, Walt, John, Mack and Fred; and two sisters, Verna and Beulah.

He is survived by his loving wife of 55 years, Doris Fleetwood of their home; five sons, John Fleetwood and his wife, Bonnie, of Holgate, Ohio, Joe Fleetwood of Mountain Grove, Lonnie Fleetwood and his wife, Jessica, of Defiance, Ohio, Jim Fleetwood of Drury, Mo., and Randy Fleetwood and his wife, Tracey, of Norwood, Mo.; four daughters, Eva Peabody and her husband, Darrell, of Sherwood, Ohio, Lola Mathieu and her husband, John, of Willow Springs, Mo., Lila Spence of Mountain Grove and Tammy Moody and her husband, Steve, also of Mountain Grove; one brother, Bill Fleetwood, of Bedford, Iowa; two sisters, Hazel Moss of Brixey, Mo., and Julia Glenn and her husband, Jack, of Wellington, Kan.; 22 grandchildren and 14 great-grandchildren.

Services were held Feb. 8 at Craig-Hurtt Chapel in Mountain Grove, Mo.

Condolences may be sent to Doris Fleetwood, HC 73 Box 53, Drury, Mo. 65638.

In Loving Memory of my Dad

I have often heard the old saying, “Adversity is what introduces a man to himself. “ And my Dad was no exception to the rule. He had many amazing qualities. Most of which could be found in his work ethics. He worked hard for everything he had and he never complained. He took pride in a job well-done and he taught us all to have pride in ourselves. He often said,” It doesn’t matter what you do, just do your best and no one can ask any more of you.” His logic was plain, and simple, yet honest and true. He was a self-made man, who learned early on, life was not for the faint-hearted, or the weary. One had to be a willing participant and one had to be quick on his feet in order to survive. While he never had the same advantages many people take for granted, he was mindful and resourceful with all he had and he had great admiration and respect for others who did the same. He was wistful, knowledgeable, noble, and wise.
But his most redeeming qualities did not stop there. He loved spending time with his family and friends. Life’s many struggles taught my Dad to abide by the Golden Rule. And that was a lesson he taught us all. He wanted us to treat others the way we’d like to be treated and he led by example. My Dad never knew a stranger. He befriended many people in his lifetime. A trip to the grocery store, the catfish pond, a bluegrass festival, or a picnic, was merely an opportunity to visit with friends or meet new people. And my Dad found value in all those he met. He knew sometimes you had to look beyond the surface to find the worth of a man. I remember a story my Dad once told me about an old man who passed on the gentle knowledge that if a man’s wealth could be judged by his love for his family, then he’d be considered one of the richest men alive. And that was a philosophy my Dad respected, often recalled, and adopted himself. He loved each one of us unconditionally. And he was always in our corner. If we had a problem, we knew he would be the first one to help in any way he could. He was kind, caring, considerate, and compassionate. He shared many stories, many jokes, and a lifetime of laughter and love. He touched us all with his unique wit and sincerity. He was our friend, our rock, and our hero. And we know there will never be another quite like him. He was one of the best parts in all of us and he’ll be missed more than words can ever say.